Finite Element Analysis for Nozzles

ASME nozzle design rules provide guidance for pressure loads only.  For nozzles supporting external loads the Code requires additional analysis be performed.  WRC-537, also included in COMPRESS, has traditionally been used for this purpose.   COMPRESS now includes nozzle FEA for cases where a more accurate  solution is required.  The COMPRESS FEA engine was created by Codeware to address the detailed requirements of ASME Code stress analysis.  It features adaptive meshing, stress error estimating, and is based on advanced Lagrangian 3D elements.

Users can run FEA on existing COMPRESS models or create new designs to quickly obtain detailed stress reports.   No additional steps or third party software is required.  Mesh exports (.inp files) to other FEA programs such as Abaqus® are available.  Exported meshes save time, reduce transcription errors, and can be used for additional verification or further analysis if desired.

Finite Element Analysis for Hillside Nozzle

See Finite Element Analysis in COMPRESS

Nozzle Load Analysis

Nozzle FEA is fully integrated into COMPRESS and is accessed from the Nozzle Loads Analysis dialog.  Loads can be entered using the traditional WRC convention.  A convenient load location option allows loads to be entered at either the shell-nozzle intersection or at the end of the nozzle/flange surface.

Nozzle Load Analysis in COMPRESS

Finite Element Analysis Reports

Detailed ASME Division 2 compliant reports are provided.  Linearized membrane and bending stresses with their respective allowables (per VIII-2, Figure 5.1) are listed in a handy summary table.  The following design information is also reported:

  • FEA model dimensions

  • Mesh and element type summary

  • Model loadings and boundary conditions

  • Linearized stress results for each load case and summary of governing results

  • Categorization of stress results as primary or secondary membrane and bending

  • Results images including Von Mises stress, SCP cross sectional stress, displacement, stress error, and force residual

  • Interactive HTML based plots are linked throughout report for quick access of in-depth results

All of this means one complete report.

FEA Reports in COMPRESS

Interactive Stress Classification Line (SCL) Plot

COMPRESS provides the option to select any SCL on the model to review the details. Simply click on the SCL of interest and results will appear. Results will include calculated Combined Stress, Max and Min Principal Stress, and Von Mises Stress.

Linearized Component Stresses - FEA COMPRESS

(click image to enlarge)

Stress Classification Planes

In addition to SCLs, COMPRESS also provides Stress Classification Planes.

FEA Stress Classification Plane in COMPRESS

(click image to enlarge)

FEA Nozzle SCL

Stress Error

What is Stress Error and why is it important?  Stress Error is the mean difference between un-averaged and averaged stress values.  Low stress error is an indication that the mesh and results are stable.  Stress error corresponds to stress convergence both locally and globally and is a measure of overall FEA model quality.

The provided stress error reports highlight the location and magnitude of the maximum stress error present in the model.  Stress errors less than 5% are typically  considered to be acceptable.

FEA Nozzle Stress Error in COMPRESS

Increase Your Capabilities With COMPRESS

Nozzles Simplify the detailing of nozzle attachments with flexible and intuitive nozzle design capabilities. Finite Element Analysis Built-in FEA for Nozzles, Clips and TEMA Expansion Joints. API 650 Storage Tanks Modeling storage tanks is easy as COMPRESS guides you through an intuitive design wizard. Vacuum Rings Drag-and-drop vacuum rings and quickly see how the external pressure rating changes. Quick Design Speed up the process of pressure vessel modeling with Quick Design mode. Productivity Software packages like COMPRESS exist to increase productivity and save Engineering hours. Heat Exchanger Perform ASME UHX and TEMA calculations independently or leverage the bi-directional interface with HTRI. Division II As Division 1 increasingly references Division 2 provisions, many companies are transitioning to Division 2 rules to capitalize on material savings. MDMT Rules of UCS-66 The rules of UCS-66 guard against vessel failure by brittle fracture, a low probability, high consequence event. External Pressure Design Simplify the complexity of the
UG-28 rules for external pressure design and vacuum rating. Jacketed Vessels Design both conventional and half pipe jacketed vessels. Vessel Wizard The Vessel Wizard speeds pressure vessel design by creating complete pressure vessel models with minimal input. COSTER Import files from COMPRESS and create user customizable pressure vessel cost estimates in spreadsheet format. Flange Design Create optimized Appendix 2 flange designs with minimal time and effort and account for loadings on standard B16.5/16.47 flanges. Weld Seams Designers can visually confirm good practices such as staggered longitudinal seams. Lifting & Rigging Use an accurate weight, the correct center of gravity, and apply the actual section properties. Modeling + Drawings The Codeware Interface includes Drafter 3D, a feature that auto-generates 2D pressure vessel drawings. Related Codes COMPRESS implements a wide range of related engineering methods, codes and standards. Design Mode Save time by reducing the trial and error iterations that would otherwise be required when designing pressure vessels. Rating (Analysis) Mode The COMPRESS Rating Mode takes your design and determines the vessel’s MAWP, MAEP and MDMT. Hydrotest Performing hydrotest stress calculations in the design stage prevents equipment damage during hydrotesting. Hillside Nozzle COMPRESS saves time by calculating chord openings and governing planes of reinforcement automatically. ASME Editions Older ASME Codes are retained in all COMPRESS releases so you can always use the latest software. Automatic Liquid Levels COMPRESS eliminates the need to manually calculate each vessel component’s liquid static head. Global External Loads The Loads Menu allows designers to easily consider global external loads when sizing pressure vessel supports. Clips and Lugs Quickly add in various structural shapes to complete your design. Multi-Chamber Vessels Certain industrial processes require pressure vessels with multiple chambers operating under different design conditions. Appendix 46 Produce more economical Div 1 pressure vessel designs with increased accuracy from the Div 2 design by rule equations. Manufacturer's Data Reports Simplify the creation, submission and management of ASME Manufacturer’s Data Reports and NBIC Repair and Alteration Forms. Support Skirt Openings Specify piping connections to vertical vessels that require additional piping and openings cut out of the support skirt. Branch Connections Reduce pressure vessel welding and material costs by modeling tees in COMPRESS. Foundation Loads Summary Break down the loads for the specified vessel operating conditions including weight, wind, seismic, and vortex shedding. Shipping Saddles COMPRESS provides a shipping saddle option based on the industry standard Zick Analysis. UG-80 and UG-81 COMPRESS automatically provides out-of-roundness tolerances that must be maintained during pressure vessel fabrication. Nameplate Design Every pressure vessel is required by Code to have a nameplate. COMPRESS handles this by including a convenient nameplate option. Fatigue Screening Quickly enter fatigue data to determine if a fatigue assessment is required. WRC 537 Nozzle Loads Check stresses on nozzles using WRC 107 and WRC 537 stress analysis for spherical and cylindrical shells. COMPRESS Quick Design Mode Heat Exchanger designed in COMPRESS Division 2 option in COMPRESS MDMT Rules of UCS-66 Bill of Materials generated from COSTER Flange design in COMPRESS Weld seam wizard in COMPRESS Lifting mechanics in COMPRESS Drafter 3D from Codeware COMPRESS includes related engineering methods, codes, and standards Design mode in COMPRESS Rating mode in COMPRESS Hydrotesting in COMPRESS Hillside Nozzle design in COMPRESS 2023 ASME VIII Code Edition in COMPRESS Automatic Liquid Levels in COMPRESS External Loads in COMPRESS Pressure Vessel clip with pad in COMPRESS Multi chamber pressure vessels in COMPRESS Appendix 46 in COMPRESS ASME Manufacturer's data reports in COMPRESS Support Skirt Openings in COMPRESS Foundation Loads Summary in COMPRESS UG-80 and UG-81 design in COMPRESS Jacketed Vessel in COMPRESS Pressure vessel nozzles Shipping Saddles in COMPRESS Nameplate design in COMPRESS WRC 537 Nozzle Loads in COMPRESS Fatigue Screening in COMPRESS Vacuum Rings in COMPRESS FEA Nozzles in COMPRESS API 650 in COMPRESS Branch Connections in COMPRESS

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