a. Bend & Miter Piping Components - Modeling Approaches, Tips, Techniques used in AutoPIPE


Attention: Please see the following AutoPIPE help section:
Help > Contents> Contents Tab> Modeling Approaches> Modeling Approaches>

This help has been provided in order to give users ideas for modeling typical piping arrangements. The steps shown in each example should not be taken as the only method available to create models. In addition, the intent of the examples is to present ways to create adequate models of specific piping components for analytically purposes.

Note: AutoPIPE does calculate the element stiffness matrix of a bend differently from a straight pipe. The stiffness matrix was originally taken from SAP IV  ( click here for technical manual ) which acted as the basis for AutoPIPE analysis engine. This is not the original SAP IV manual, and note that it acted only as a basis.

Comments, Questions, and Answer:

Item #0: Model branch connection on an elbow

Item #1: Model an Elbow with Tapered weld joint for Nuclear NB analysis

Item #2: Model a short, Long (1.5D), 3D, 5D, or custom radius Elbow

Item #3: Insert Valves, Reducers Or Other Components After Elbow Or After Tee

Item #4: When a flange or valve is modeled after an elbow, does it affect the stiffness of the elbow in the analysis? If so, how?

Item #5: Add multiple points on a bend

Item #6: Calculate the weight of a typical pipe fittings (i.e. Tee, elbow, reducer, etc..)

Item #7: Model a Pulled Bend and does the program consider the thinning wall on the outer radius of a pulled bend

Item #8: Model a 120 deg - 6 ft radius bend

Item #9: Analyze stress in non standard 45 or 90 degree turns

Item #10: Model a Bend / Tee / Branch / Valve with end condition other than welded (example: socket welded, threaded fittings, grooved, etc..)

Item #11: Specify user stress indices to apply to only one end of a bend

Item #12: What SIF is being used in the calculations: Automatic Code calculated SIF, User Defined SIF or other?

Item #13: Mitered Bend

a. 3 degree mitered bend with 1 cut on the horizontal X-Y plane

b. 60 degree mitered bend with 3 cuts

Item #14: Model a S - bend that has bend angles less than 90 deg and is offset in the Side view

Item #15: Convert all node points along an entire pipe line of imported survey data into bend points

Item #16: Model large radius, back to back, bend piping

Item #17: Bend flexibility calculations

Item #18: Drip Pan Elbow

Item #19: Model Bend from 2 different directions

See Also

Model Different Types of PIPING Components

Bentley AutoPIPE