The Effect of Modeling Parameters on the Predicted Limit Loads for Pipe Bends Subjected to Out-of-Plane Moment Loading and Internal Pressure

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of modeling parameters on the determination of limit loads for standalone pipe bends, subjected to an out-of-plane end moment and internal pressure. A pipe bend, with bend factor h=0.1615, is modeled and analyzed using the nonlinear finite element code ABAQUS. Small and large-displacement analyses are performed with elastic-perfectly plastic and strain-hardening material models. Small-displacement analyses fail to predict the stiffening effect of pressure and give a continuously decaying limit load with increased pressure. Material strain hardening gives a higher limit load than perfectly plastic materials. In the large-displacement analysis with a strain-hardening material, the limit moment levels off as the pressure increases, and does not decrease as in the case of a perfectly plastic material. [S0094-9930(00)00804-0]