scholarly journals Recent Developments of the Linear Matching Method Framework for Structural Integrity Assessment

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Barbera ◽  
Haofeng Chen ◽  
Yinghua Liu ◽  
Fuzhen Xuan
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Cyclic Loading ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Direct Methods ◽  
Matching Method ◽  
Integrity Assessment ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Linear Matching Method

The linear matching method (LMM) subroutines and plug-in tools for structural integrity assessment are now in extensive use in industries for the design and routine assessment of power plant components. This paper presents a detailed review and case study of the current state-of-the art LMM direct methods applied to the structural integrity assessment. The focus is on the development and use of the linear matching method framework (LMMF) on a wide range of crucial aspects for the power industry. The LMMF is reviewed to show a wide range of capabilities of the direct methods under this framework, and the basic theory background is also presented. Different structural integrity aspects are covered including the calculation of shakedown, ratchet, and creep rupture limits. Furthermore, the crack initiation assessments of an un-cracked body by the LMM are shown for cases both with and without the presence of a creep dwell during the cyclic loading history. Finally, an overview of the in house developed LMM plug-in is given, presenting the intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) developed. The efficiency and robustness of these direct methods in calculating the aforementioned quantities are confirmed through a numerical case study, which is a semicircular notched (Bridgman notch) bar. A two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model is adopted, and the notched bar is subjected to both cyclic and constant axial mechanical loads. For the crack initiation assessment, different cyclic loading conditions are evaluated to demonstrate the impact of the different load types on the structural response. The impact of creep dwell is also investigated to show how this parameter is capable of causing in some cases a dangerous phenomenon known as creep ratcheting. All the results in the case study demonstrate the level of simplicity of the LMMs but at the same time accuracy, efficiency, and robustness over the more complicated and inefficient incremental finite element analyses.

Review and Case Study of the Linear Matching Method Framework for Structure Integrity Assessment

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Barbera ◽  
Haofeng Chen ◽  
Yinghua Liu
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Cyclic Loading ◽  
Crack Initiation ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Direct Methods ◽  
Matching Method ◽  
Integrity Assessment ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Linear Matching Method

The Linear Matching Method Framework (LMMF) consists of a number of simplified direct methods for generating approximate inelastic solutions and answering specific design related issues in pressure vessel design codes using standard finite element codes. Currently, all the LMM procedures have been implemented in ABAQUS through user subroutines with powerful user-friendly plug-in tools. The LMM ABAQUS user subroutines and plug-in tools for structural integrity assessment are now in extensive use in industries for the design and routine assessment of power plant components. This paper presents a detailed review and case study of the current state-of-the art LMM direct methods applied to the structural integrity assessment. The focus is on the development and use of the LMMF on a wide range of crucial aspects for the power industry. The LMMF is reviewed to show a wide range of capabilities of the direct methods under this framework, and the basic theory background is also presented. Different structural integrity aspects are covered including the calculation of shakedown, ratchet and creep rupture limits. Furthermore, the crack initiation assessments of an un-cracked body by the LMM are shown for cases both with and without the presence of a creep dwell during the cyclic loading history. Finally an overview of the in house developed LMM plug-in is given. Its implementation in ABAQUS finite element solver through an intuitive Graphical User Interface is presented. The efficiency and robustness of these direct methods in calculating the aforementioned quantities are confirmed through a numerical case study, which is a semi-circular notched (Bridgman notch) bar. A 2D axisymmetric finite element model is adopted, and the notched bar is subjected to both cyclic and constant axial mechanical loads. For the crack initiation assessment, different cyclic loading conditions are evaluated to demonstrate the impact of the different load types on the structural response. The creep dwell impact is also investigated to show how this parameter is capable of causing in some cases a dangerous phenomenon known as creep ratcheting. All the results in the case study demonstrate the level of simplicity of the LMMs but at the same time accuracy, efficiency and robustness over the more complicated and inefficient incremental finite element analyses.

Validation of a Finite Element Toolbox for Studying Flaw Interaction

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry E. Coules
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Fracture Mechanics ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Integrity Assessment ◽  
Linear Elastic ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Parametric Studies ◽  
Elastic Crack

Abstract Structural integrity assessment often requires the interaction of multiple closely-spaced cracks or flaws in a structure to be considered. Although many procedures for structural integrity assessment include rules for determining the significance of flaw interaction, and for re-characterising interacting flaws, these rules can be difficult to validate in a fracture mechanics framework. int_defects is an open-source MATLAB toolbox which uses the Abaqus finite element suite to perform large-scale parametric studies in cracked-body analysis. It is designed to allow developers of assessment codes to check the accuracy of simplified interaction criteria under a wide range of conditions, e.g. for different interacting flaw geometries, material models and loading cases. int_defects can help analysts perform parametric studies to determine linear elastic crack tip stress field parameters, elastic-plastic parameters and plastic limit loads for simple three-dimensional cracked bodies relevant to assessment codes. This article focusses on the validation of int_defects using existing fracture mechanics results. Through a set of validation examples, int_defects is shown to produce accurate results for a very wide range of cases in both linear and non-linear cracked-body analysis. Nevertheless, it is emphasised that users of this software should be conscious of the inherent limitations of LEFM and EPFM theory when applied to real fracture processes, and effects such as constraint loss should be considered when formulating interaction criteria.

scholarly journals Potential and limitations of finite element modelling in assessing structural integrity of coralline algae under future global change

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (19) ◽  
pp. 5871-5883 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. Melbourne ◽  
J. Griffin ◽  
D. N. Schmidt ◽  
E. J. Rayfield
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Geometric Model ◽  
Algal Growth ◽  
Coralline Algae ◽  
Rocky Shores ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Scan Data ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Coralline algae are important habitat formers found on all rocky shores. While the impact of future ocean acidification on the physiological performance of the species has been well studied, little research has focused on potential changes in structural integrity in response to climate change. A previous study using 2-D Finite Element Analysis (FEA) suggested increased vulnerability to fracture (by wave action or boring) in algae grown under high CO2 conditions. To assess how realistically 2-D simplified models represent structural performance, a series of increasingly biologically accurate 3-D FE models that represent different aspects of coralline algal growth were developed. Simplified geometric 3-D models of the genus Lithothamnion were compared to models created from computed tomography (CT) scan data of the same genus. The biologically accurate model and the simplified geometric model representing individual cells had similar average stresses and stress distributions, emphasising the importance of the cell walls in dissipating the stress throughout the structure. In contrast models without the accurate representation of the cell geometry resulted in larger stress and strain results. Our more complex 3-D model reiterated the potential of climate change to diminish the structural integrity of the organism. This suggests that under future environmental conditions the weakening of the coralline algal skeleton along with increased external pressures (wave and bioerosion) may negatively influence the ability for coralline algae to maintain a habitat able to sustain high levels of biodiversity.

scholarly journals Evaluating the efficacy of technical measures: a case study of selection device legislation in the UK Crangon crangon (brown shrimp) fishery

2008 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom L. Catchpole ◽  
Andrew S. Revill ◽  
James Innes ◽  
Sean Pascoe
Keyword(s):  
Brown Shrimp ◽  
Crangon Crangon ◽  
Shrimp Fishery ◽  
The North ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Technical Measures

Abstract Catchpole, T. L., Revill, A. S., Innes, J., and Pascoe, S. 2008. Evaluating the efficacy of technical measures: a case study of selection device legislation in the UK Crangon crangon (brown shrimp) fishery. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 267–275. Bycatch reduction devices are being introduced into a wide range of fisheries, with shrimp and prawn fisheries particularly targeted owing to the heavy discarding common in these fisheries. Although studies are often undertaken to estimate the impact of a technical measure on the fishery before implementation, rarely have the impacts been assessed ex post. Here, the efficacy of the UK legislation pertaining to the use of sievenets in the North Sea Crangon crangon fishery is assessed. Three impacts were evaluated: on fisher behaviour (social), on the level of bycatch (biological), and on vessel profitability (economic). An apparent high level of compliance by skippers was identified despite a low level of enforcement. The estimated reduction in fleet productivity following the introduction of the legislation was 14%, equalling the mean loss of Crangon landings when using sievenets calculated from catch comparison trawls. Sievenets did reduce the unnecessary capture of unwanted marine organisms, but were least effective at reducing 0-group plaice, which make up the largest component of the bycatch. Clearly the legislation has had an effect in the desired direction, but it does not address sufficiently the bycatch issue in the Crangon fishery.

Integrity Assessment of a Free-Fall Lifeboat Launched From a FPSO

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guomin Ji ◽  
Nabila Berchiche ◽  
Sébastien Fouques ◽  
Thomas Sauder ◽  
Svein-Arne Reinholdtsen
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Pressure Distribution ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Dynamic Effect ◽  
Sensitivity Study ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Load Factor ◽  
Time Varying ◽  
Integrity Assessment

The paper addresses the structural integrity assessment of lifeboat launched from floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels. The study is based on long-term drop lifeboat simulations accounting for more than 50 years of hindcast data of metocean conditions and corresponding FPSO motions. Selection of the load cases and strength analyses with high computational time is a challenge. The load cases analyzed are those corresponding to the 99th percentile of long term distribution of indicators for large slamming loads (CARXZ) or large submergence (Imaxsub). For six selected cases, the time-varying pressure distribution on the lifeboat hull during and after water impact is calculated by CFD simulations using StarCCM+. The finite element model (FEM) of the composite structure of the lifeboat is modelled by ABAQUS. Quasi-static finite element (FE) analyses are performed for the selected load cases. The structural integrity is assessed by the maximum stress and Tsai-Wu failure measure. In the present study, the load and resistance factors are combined and applied to the response. A sensitivity study is performed to investigate the non-linear load/response effects when the load factor is applied to the load. In addition, dynamic analysis is performed with the time-varying pressure distribution for selected case and the dynamic effect is investigated.

scholarly journals Particle Finite Element Simulation of Chip Formation in Cutting Processes

2017 ◽  
Vol 869 ◽  
pp. 50-61
Author(s):  
Matthias Sabel ◽  
Christian Sator ◽  
Ralf Müller ◽  
Benjamin Kirsch
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Large Deformations ◽  
Element Formulation ◽  
Particle Finite Element Method ◽  
Element Simulation ◽  
Modeling Techniques ◽  
Cutting Processes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cutting Simulations

The formation of chips in cutting processes is characterised by large deformations and large configurational changes and therefore challenges established modeling techniques. To overcome these difficulties, the particle finite element method (PFEM) combines the benefits of discrete modeling techniques with methods based on continuum mechanics. In this work an outline of the PFEM, as well as an explanation of the finite element formulation are provided. The impact of the boundary detection on the structural integrity is studied. The numerical examples include a tensile test as well as cutting simulations. The paper is concluded by a comparison of cutting forces with analytical results.

scholarly journals Structural Integrity Evaluation of Jackets Submitted to Through Cracks

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antoine Rouhan ◽  
Franck Schoefs
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Probabilistic Model ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Detection Theory ◽  
False Alarms ◽  
Structural Behaviour ◽  
Maintenance Costs ◽  
The Impact

The study of the impact of through cracks on structural integrity of jacket platforms still a challenge. The detection of such cracks is of great importance and a miss, or a spurious indication can lead to maintenance costs overrun. In the context of risk-based inspection and monitoring of such structures, a global methodology is proposed. The detection of large cracks is first addressed. A probabilistic model is proposed, taking into account the in situ inspections performances and the probability of crack presence. This is achieved by the use of the detection theory. Second, a finite element that is able to represent the structural behaviour of through cracked tubular nodes is proposed and a global structural integrity measure is suggested. Finally, inspection results are introduced in order to compute the expected platform structural integrity. It is illustrated by considering FMD inspections results of a tripod structure. Effects of false alarms can then be underlined.

scholarly journals Creep Fatigue Life Assessment of a Pipe Intersection with Dissimilar Material Joint by Linear Matching Method

2016 ◽  
Vol 853 ◽  
pp. 366-371
Author(s):  
Daniele Barbera ◽  
Hao Feng Chen ◽  
Ying Hua Liu
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Fatigue Life ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Life Assessment ◽  
Dissimilar Material ◽  
Matching Method ◽  
Fatigue Life Assessment ◽  
Creep Fatigue ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Linear Matching Method

As the energy demand increases the power industry has to enhance both efficiency and environmental sustainability of power plants by increasing the operating temperature. The accurate creep fatigue life assessment is important for the safe operation and design of current and future power plant stations. This paper proposes a practical creep fatigue life assessment case of study by the Linear Matching Method (LMM) framework. The LMM for extended Direct Steady Cycle Analysis (eDSCA) has been adopted to calculate the creep fatigue responses due to the cyclic loading under high temperature conditions. A pipe intersection with dissimilar material joint, subjected to high cycling temperature and constant pressure steam, is used as an example. The closed end condition is considered at both ends of main and branch pipes. The impact of the material mismatch, transitional thermal load, and creep dwell on the failure mechanism and location within the intersection is investigated. All the results demonstrate the capability of the method, and how a direct method is able to support engineers in the assessment and design of high temperature component in a complex loading scenario.

Evaluation of Residual Stresses in Butt Welded Joint of Dissimilar Material by FEM

2017 ◽  
Vol 754 ◽  
pp. 268-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raffaele Sepe ◽  
M. Laiso ◽  
A. de Luca ◽  
Francesco Caputo
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Residual Stresses ◽  
Arc Welding ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Welded Joint ◽  
Dissimilar Material ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Butt Joints ◽  
Integrity Assessment ◽  
Steel Joints

The study proposed within this paper deals with an application of finite element techniques to the thermo-structural analysis of a dissimilar butt-welded joint. Residual stresses induced by the fusion arc-welding of steel joints in power generation plants are a concern to the industry. Nowadays, the application of finite element method appears to be a very efficient method for the prediction and the investigation of the weld-induced residual stresses, nevertheless the detailed modelling of all phenomena involved in such process is still challenging. The structural integrity assessment of welded structures strongly requires a deep investigation of weld-induced residual stresses in order to be compliant with safety requirement of power plant. The longitudinal and transversal residual stresses in dissimilar material butt joints of 8 mm thick for V-groove shape were studied. The developed thermo-mechanical FE model as well as the simulation procedures are detailed and results are discussed. As a result of such work, it has been found out that residual stresses in the two dissimilar plates are characterized by very different magnitudes and distribution.

scholarly journals Residual Life Assessment of Electricity Pylons – A Case Study

2009 ◽  
Vol 413-414 ◽  
pp. 219-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Maguire
Keyword(s):  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Residual Life ◽  
Life Assessment ◽  
Original Design ◽  
Integrity Assessment ◽  
Specific Safety ◽  
Residual Life Assessment ◽  
Independent Assessment ◽  
Overhead Power Line

This case study describes a structural integrity assessment of a 220 kV overhead power line. The line comprises 70 pylons over a distance of approximately 30 km, predominantly in a valley location. The pylons are spaced at intervals of approximately 400 m and each pylon is approximately 32 m in height. The line was originally constructed in the 1950’s, approximately 50 years prior to the requested structural integrity assessment. This paper describes the independent assessment that was carried out. The review established site-specific safety factors at the time of original design and construction; at the time of the review (2007), accounting for the possible presence of the “Thomasstahl” steel; and in the future, at the anticipated end of pylon life (in 2012).

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