This thread includes many pearls of wisdom:

  • Piping program use simple 3D beam elements. You can't evaluate system behavior outside the capabilities of this element.
  • Piping programs assume linear elastic material behavior. If your system has gone plastic, the CAESAR II results will be off.
  • Piping programs typically don't account for second order effects (P-delta).
  • Last but not least, the computer should be used as a tool, not a Guru.


Quote:
I find my biggest obstacle in training others to do pipe stress work is to look past the program results and to remember the fundamentals of solid mechanics. The results of any pipe stress program must be interpreted through the lens of one's education in the fundamentals, through experience, and through actual field results.


Very, very true!

An excellent discussion. Thanks for contributing to the fourm.

PS:
Quote:
Caesar is nothing more than a very fast calculator
there is a little more to it than that, but you're essentially correct.

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Regards,
Richard Ay (COADE, Inc.)



[This message has been edited by rich_ay (edited June 22, 2000).]
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Regards,
Richard Ay - Consultant