Invalid Intersection at a Bend

I would like to model a pipe that turns in the horizontal(x,z)plane after a 90° bend at the end of a rise in the +Y direction. If the turn in the x,z plane(about the Y axis) is a multiple of 90°, the bend is formed correctly. If the the turn is a 45° or 30° (or any other I would think...) the result is a gap between the "out" side of the elbow and the "in" side of the following pipe segment. This gap results in a fatal error when I try to run the analysis.

Any help on how to model this situation correctly would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Your problem is that you need sufficient length to contain the straight lengths from both bends. So if we assume 6" pipe, with a 90 deg bend followed by a 45 deg bend, the distance between the two TIPTs is:

delta = L1 + L2
L1 = bend radius = 6 * 1.5 = 9

L2 = R * tan (angle/2)
= 9 * tan (45/2)
= 3.73

So you delta between TIPTs is 9 + 3.73 = 12.73.

Try this:

Element 10-20, dia=6, wt=S, DY=5ft, bend=Yes
Element 20-30, DX=12.73in, bend=Yes
Element 30-40, DX=20, DY=20

Note, with this set of numbers, you can get the plot to look right with a distance of 10in between TIPTs, but then the Error Checker will tell you the element isn't long enough.