SIF according to ASME B31J for special geometries

not covered in ASME B31.1 and ASME B31.3 codes

PROBLEM DEFINITION
Piping Design is a critical component of engineering projects and process plants. In
order to get safety pipe systems, the flexibility analysis (stress analysis) is essential,
because the pipe stress analysis predicts stresses in the pipeline due to thermal
gradients, weights and pressures.

Stress Intensification Factors (SIF) are parameters that allow the designer to
estimate the maximum stresses in the pipe line and the fatigue failure in a piping
component or joints. Following paragraphs explain in detail the determination of the
stress intensity factor for special geometries not covered by ASME B31.1 or B31.3
codes.

WHAT IS THE STRESS INTENSIFICATION FACTOR?

The Stress Intensification Factor (SIF) is a multiplier factor on nominal stress for
typically bends and intersection components so that the effect of geometry and welding
can be considered in a beam analysis (as for example calculations performed with
CAESAR II software). The stress intensity factor is used in a pipe stress analysis
as follow:

(Beam stress)· (SIF) ≤ Allowable Stress

ASME piping codes (ASME B31.1 and ASME B31.3) stablish the formulation to obtain
the stress intensification factor “I” and flexibility factor “k” for fitting geometries according
to ASME B16.9.
 Table D300 - ASME B31.3 - Examples of Stress Intensification Factor formulation for some
geometries.
METHODOLOGY
STRESS INTENSIFICATION FACTOR (SIF) FOR SPECIAL FITTING
GEOMETRIES
For special geometries (such as valves, strainers, anchor rings, bands, etc.) or modified
geometries from ASME B16.9 codes (as for instance trimmed elbows), it is necessary
to obtain a valid stress intensification factor in order to avoid problems due to flexibility
analysis. These values of SIF are out of the scope of design codes as ASME B31.1 or
ASME B31.3. However, ASME B31J code provides the standard method for
determining the stress intensification and flexibility factor required.
According to ASME B31J, there are two ways in order to obtain SIFs:

• Real test specimen with the real geometry.

• Virtual test specimen, FEM analysis.
The advantage of the virtual test specimen (FEM analysis) is obvious because a real
test specimen (especially for larger diameters) can be very expensive compared with
the finite element analysis.

ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY - STRESS INTENSIFICATION FACTOR FEM

ANALYSIS
FEM analysis will allow to simulate the standard test method for determining stress
intensification factors (i-factors) for metallic components as per ASME B31J and stress-
life (S-N) fatigue model per Markl fatigue test curve.

Following steps summarizes analysis methodology to determinate stress

intensification factor “i”:

Steps to obtain the stress intensification factor

FEM SIF CALCULATIONS ACCORDING TO ASME B31J AND PIPE
FLEXIBILITY CALCULATIONS
CADE is pleased to have participated in many relevant worldwide projects where the bi-
directional calculations (between FEA analysis and pipe flexibility analysis with
CAESAR II software) are required. A correct evaluation of the stress intensity factors in
special geometries reduces the risk of failure in the pipeline, therefore, this part of the
calculation must be essential in the flexibility stress analysis. Nowadays, most of c
piping specifications require this calculation.

Following images show an example of project conducted by CADE, which results

obtained in the determination of the stress intensity factor (SIF) in a modified geometry
(trimmed elbow) was used in the flexibility calculations performed with CAESAR II
software.

Trimmed elbow test specimen results. FEM analysis.

 Table. SIF Comparison Trimmed vs Untrimmed elbow.

Caesar II Pipe flexibility analysis with the SIF obtained in the trimmed elbow.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
• Stress Intensification Factor (SIF) is a multiplier factor on nominal stress obtained
in a beam analysis (as for instance, calculations performed with CAESAR II
software).
• ASME B31.1 and ASME B31.3 codes established the stress intensification factor
(SIF) for geometries show in ASME B16.9 code (normal geometries).
• For special or modified geometries (such as valves, strainers, anchor rings,
bands, trimmed elbows, etc.) the stress intensification factor shall be calculated
according to a specimen show in ASME B31J code which establish two ways in
order to obtain the stress intensification factor: real test specimen in a laboratory
or virtual test specimen with a FEM analysis.
• FEM (Finite Element analysis) is the cheapest option to simulate the test
specimen mandatory in ASME B31J in order to obtain a real SIF.
• CADE engineering is the best option to perform these types of multidisciplinary
analyses, because it has the engineering knowledge (with more than a thousand
projects in more than 15 years of activity), highly skilled and committed team of
engineers, together with a solid business management, which make CADE an
independent leading engineering and consultancy company around technology,
equipment and plants within oil power industries.