CAESAR II internally computes the flexibility factors (and SIFs) described in the piping codes, Appendix D for B31.1 and B31.3. When necessary, these values are adjusted (in accordance with the codes) for <em>flanged ends</em>.

In the case of the flexibility factors, these values are used in the construction of the <em>local</em> element stiffness matrix, which in turn affects the <em>global</em> stiffness matrix and thus the overall displacement solution.

The purpose of these flexibility factors is to account for the local flexing (ovalization) of the bend. This is why all other components have a flexibility factor of 1.0.


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Regards,
Richard Ay (COADE, Inc.)