Efficient Design with Elastic-Plastic Analysis
BWXT Technologies showcases extensive experience in the inelastic design of pressure vessel components, utilizing Elastic-Plastic Analysis. This approach includes Limit Analysis design according to ASME Code Section III, NB-3228.1/Section VIII, Div. 2, 5.2.3, Plastic Analysis according to Section III, NB-3228.3/ Section VIII, Div. 2, 5.2.4, and other non-code design considerations. By isolating primary stresses, elastic-plastic analysis optimizes the available load carrying capacity of a structure without compromising safety against failure due to excessive deformation.
Applications and Benefits
Incorporating inelastic analysis often leads to a more efficient design compared to traditional elastic methods or 'design by rule.' This can translate to reduced weight, lower weld volume, decreased thermal stresses, improved fatigue life, and enhanced structural safety. Utilizing elastic-plastic analysis can also aid in the requalification of pressure vessel components that have experienced erosion, repairs, or over-pressurization. Examples of applications include design of access openings, steam drum heads, vessel/nozzle intersections, divider plates, tubesheets, and more.
Capabilities and Tools
BWXT Technologies offers a range of methodologies for inelastic analysis, leveraging proven commercial Finite Element (FE) codes such as ANSYS and ABAQUS. Their capabilities encompass primary stress or limit analysis through elastic iterations, elastic-perfectly plastic limit analysis, plastic analysis including hardening effects, analysis of anisotropic structures, explicit FE analysis for non-linear problems, inelastic transient and fatigue analysis, and more. The choice of analysis method is tailored to the specific nature of the problem and the client's preferences.