Finite element analysis of damage in pipeline bends

A.E. Swart¹, S.A. Karamanos², A. Scarpas³, J. Blaauwendraad³
¹ CORUS RD&T, IJmuiden, the Netherlands
² University of Thessaly, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Volos, Greece
³ Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, the Netherlands

The present paper describes a numerical formulation for the analysis of damage in steel pipeline bends. In particular, the numerical implementation of Gurson plasticity model is described in the framework of a special element, referred to as “tube element”. This is a three-node element, which simulates pipe behavior combining longitudinal deformation with cross-sectional ovalization and warping. The numerical results obtained with the tube elements are compared with results obtained with selective integrated Heterosis elements. The constitutive equations are integrated through an Euler-backward numerical scheme, enforcing the condition of zero stress in the radial direction of the pipe. Results for isotropic hardening have been obtained.

Key words: Tube element, Gurson model, computational plasticity, damage

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	Finite element analysis of damage in pipeline bends A.E. Swart¹, S.A. Karamanos², A. Scarpas³, J. Blaauwendraad³ ¹ CORUS RD&T, IJmuiden, the Netherlands ² University of Thessaly, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Volos, Greece ³ Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, the Netherlands The present paper describes a numerical formulation for the analysis of damage in steel pipeline bends. In particular, the numerical implementation of Gurson plasticity model is described in the framework of a special element, referred to as “tube element”. This is a three-node element, which simulates pipe behavior combining longitudinal deformation with cross-sectional ovalization and warping. The numerical results obtained with the tube elements are compared with results obtained with selective integrated Heterosis elements. The constitutive equations are integrated through an Euler-backward numerical scheme, enforcing the condition of zero stress in the radial direction of the pipe. Results for isotropic hardening have been obtained. Key words: Tube element, Gurson model, computational plasticity, damage