DefinePK

Abstract

The finite element nonlinear limit analysis compares the four cross sections to include the effect of ovality and thinning on collapse load of pipe bends when subjected to in-plane and out-of-plane bending moments with and without internal pressure. The assumed cross sections namely elliptic and semi-oval and the actual cross sections are compared with circular cross sections. A new methodology is proposed to use actual cross section in the finite element analyses. The comparison reveals that the actual cross section produces a positive effect of increasing the collapse load for lower bend radii and the assumed cross sections produces minimal effect and hence circular cross section may be assumed. For the highest bend radius, actual cross section is preferable as the percent difference is higher than other cross sections for low pressures. In all the pipe bend models and loading, when the pressure is high, the effect of ovality is very less and hence circular cross section may be assumed.