Pipe stress analysis basics 1

[tsarbomba_imported]

Dear everybody,
I've been working in a company for more than 2 years as a piping engineer in Japan.
My company does EPC works of incineration plants.
Most of my works is to do pipe stress analysis. But the incineration plant only has around 12-13 lines. Over the time I have learned how to use the softwares like Caesar II and Autopipe proficiently. I did not have any trainings in stress analysis. I only trained for input works. I have been able to do the analysis quite nicely. I do not have any mentors as they are all Japanese and they cannot explain to me in English. I've been using forums like this for any help I need.
After two years, I feel like a software jockey and missing something. I do not know what's inside the ASME code. I know very little about the formulas used in calculation. I can only solve the system with high loads or stress.
Can anyone help me what should I do, what should I learn. How to get started so that I understand what actually the software is doing and anything else that I need to know so that I can say I am a true pipe stress analysis engineer.
Thanks in advance!!
I am an undergraduate degree holder in Mechanical engineering. No piping majors.

 

[XL83NL]

Wow, there is a lot to say. First of all, it’s good you don’t want to be a button pusher. You should become familiar with the code and how the software implants the code. Any software, no matter how good, is a tool to assist you, rather than giving you an answer to trust blindly.

Start by reading this thread, esp. JohnBreen’s excellent multi LPS post (counting 22 and going). There’s so much already said in that thread I suggest you read that first and then come back with more questions.

Ps; there are more excellent topics here at engtips on pope stress analysis. The search option will help you get along finding those threads.