SIF and flexibility

[ssroll]

Hello,


I have calculated a branch SIF by FEA because the configuration branch dosn't exist in B31.3 table. And I wondered what about the coefficient k (Flexibility)? Should I leave CAEPIPE (Equal to CAESAR) calculate in accordance with B31.3 or should I re-determined manually or by FEA?

Thanks a lot for you help.

Sebastien

 

[C2it]

Strictly, the flexibility factor of all branch connections according to B31.3 App. D is 1.0

If you have better and properly authorised data, you should use it. I have done that many times with FE-Pipe flex and SIF results, susequently incorporated into Caesar II calcs.

 

[ssroll]

OK thank. I wanted to be sure about this value. I'm going to use it.

 

[DSB123]

ssroll,
You say you are going to use a "value". Which value are you going to use for k - from manual calcs (I do not know of any method available to calculate k for branches. As C2it says it is set to 1.0 in the codes), allow Caepipe to determine (This will always be 1.0 as per the Code) or determine via the use of FEA?

Oh by the way Caepipe is not equal to Caesar. Each package is different the only similarity is the fact that the two both address pipe stress analysis using their own algorithms and approaches.

 

[ssroll]

DSB123,

The value will be k=1 (The default value). And my sentence about CAEPIPE and CAESARII was wrote only to describe the type of software that is CAEPIPE, less famous that CAESARII ;-)