Nozzle FleX Verification

Semi-Elliptical Head

Results from Nozzle FleX for mesh size 3 (medium) are compared to results manually extracted from SAP 2000 Version 25 in the left hand column. The model was also imported to the general purpose FEA package Mecway Version 21. In the right hand column, results from Mecway are compared to Nozzle FleX. Finally there is a comparison of results for longitudinal bending with a mesh size 1 (fine) model.

Results show agreement to within 3% and in most cases less than 1%. See the Nozzle FleX listing at the end for full details of the model.

SAP 2000MECWAY
Radial stiffness (force applied 10000N):Radial stiffness (force applied 10000N):
SE head radial displacement (SAP 2000)SE head radial displacement (Mecway)
Take average of radial displacement at 4 points:
At X=304.6,Z=0: Dx = -0.01841, Dy = -0.12195 (res 0.1233) radial = -0.12195sin83.46 -0.01841cos83.46 = 0.1233mm
At X=200,Z=104.6: Dx=-0.01395, Dy = -0.12769 (res=0.1284), radial = -0.1284mm
At X =95.5, Z=0: Dx=-0.009, dy = -0.13331 (res 0.1336)
At X=200, Z -104.6, Dx=-0.01395, Dy = -0.12769 (res=0.1284), radial = -0.1284mm
Avg = 0.128425 mm
-> stiffness = 77866 (0.2% less than Nozzle Flex 78026 )
Normal to shell at 83.46deg
Centre of intersection at x=200, y=436.18
Apply load at 305mm above centre (y=741.18)
Radial load 10000N = -1139N X, -9935N Y
Thus an offsetting moment must be applied of -1139*0.305=-347.4Nm about Z-axis.
Average radial displacement at same 4 points:
Node 1: Dx=-0.0182, Dy=-0.1212, res =0.1226
Node 593: Dx=-0.0138, Dy=-0.1267, res=0.1274
Node 1281:Dx=-0.0090, Dy=-0.1321, res=0.1324
Node 1975:Dx=-0.0138, Dy=-0.1267, res=0.1274
Average = 0.12745mm
->stiffness = 78462N/mm (0.6% greater than Nozzle Flex 78026)
Longitudinal stiffness (moment applied 10000Nm):Longitudinal stiffness (moment applied 10000Nm):
SE head deformation - longitudinal bending (SAP 2000)SE head deformation - longitudinal bending (Mecway)
SAP2000 Displacements at intersection nodes on X-axis
DX = 0.2068, DY = 0.9794, RZ = 0.00502RADS
DX = -0.02605, DY = -1.10135, RZ = 0.00527RADS
INTERSECTION ‘DIAMETER’ LINE DELTA X=210.1, Y=-24.153
ANGLE TO X-AXIS AS PER ADJACENT MECWAY CALC = -6.558°
RELATIVE DISPLACEMENT DX = 0.233, DY = 2.081
ENDING INTERSECTION DIAMETER LINE DELTA X= 210.1+0.233 = 210.333, DELTA Y = -24.153+2.081 = -22.072
ANGLE TO X-AXIS ENDING: ATAN -22.072/210.333 = -5.991°
ROTATION ABOUT Z-AXIS = 0.5673°
-> STIFFNESS = 17627NM/DEG. (~AS PER NOZZLE FLEX)
Displacements at intersection nodes on X-axis
DX = 0.2045, DY = 0.9708, DZ=0, CO-ORDS X=304.550, Y=420.795
DX= -0.0258, DY= -1.0895, DZ=0, CO-ORDS X=95.450, Y=444.948
INTERSECTION ‘DIAMETER’ LINE DELTA X=210.1, Y=-24.153 (RES=211.484)
ANGLE TO X-AXIS STARTING: ATAN -24.153/210.1 = -6.558°
RELATIVE DISPLACEMENT DX = 0.2303, DY = 2.0603 (RES=2.0731)
ENDING INTERSECTION DIAMETER LINE DELTA X= 210.1+0.2303 = 210.330, DELTA Y = -24.153+2.0603 = -22.093
ANGLE TO X-AXIS ENDING: ATAN -22.093/210.33 = -5.996°
ROTATION ABOUT Z-AXIS = 0.562° (= ATAN 2.0731/211.484)
-> STIFFNESS = 17804NM/DEG. (1% HIGHER THAN SAP2000)
Longitudinal SCF:Longitudinal SCF:
principal stress (longit.) - SAP 2000principal stress (longit.) - Mecway
Max principal stress outside weld zone = 480.4MPa
SCF check, Branch section modulus =pi.(219.1^4-199.1^4)/(219.1.32) = 328475 mm3.
Sb = M/Z=10e6/328475=30.44
-> SCF=480.4/30.44 = 15.78 = NOZZLEFLEX VALUE
Max principal stress outside weld zone = 467.2MPa
SCF check, Branch section modulus =328475 mm3
Sb = M/Z=10e6/328475=30.44
-> SCF=467.2/30.44 = 15.35 = (2.7% lower than NozzleFlex 15.78)
Circumferential stiffness (load applied 10000Nm):Circumferential stiffness (load applied 10000Nm):
SE head circumf bending deformation (SAP 2000)SE head circumf bending deformation (Mecway)
Mc=10000Nm. Radial angle 83.46deg to X -> Circ angle 173.54deg
Mx = 10000cos173.54 = -9935Nm, My = 10000sin173.54=1139Nm
Pt 116100 Dx=0.11728,Dy=1.02166, Dz=0.091
Pt 148100 Dx=-0.11728,Dy=-1.02166,Dz=0.091
Rel displacement Dx=0.23456,Dy=2.04332 (RES 2.0567)
Rotation = asin 2.0567/209.1=0.5636deg
->k=10000/0.5636 = 17744Nm/deg (0.6% lower than Nozzleflex 17845)
Minor difference because Nozzleflex considers effect of all nodes around circumference
Mc=10000Nm. Radial angle 83.46deg to X -> Circ angle 173.54deg
Mx = 10000cos173.54 = -9935Nm, My = 10000sin173.54=1139Nm
Node 593,X=200,Y=433.04,Z=104.55
Dx=0.11591, Dy=1.01196, Dz=0.08964
Node 1975,X=200,Y=433.04,Z=-104.55
Dx=-0.11591, Dy=-1.01196, Dz=0.08964
Diameter = 2*104.55=209.10mm
Relative displacement Dx=0.23182, Dy=2.02392 (RES 2.03715). In radial direction this is 2.02392sin83.46 + 0.23182cos83.46 = 2.03715mm
Rotation = asin 2.03715/209.1=0.5582deg
-> k=10000/0.5582=17915 Nm/deg
(0.4% higher than NozzleFlex 17845)
Circumf SCFCircumf SCF
principal stress (circ) - SAP 2000principal stress (circ) - Mecway
Max principal stress outside weld zone = 467.3MPa
SCF check, Branch section modulus =pi.(219.1^4-199.1^4)/(219.1.32) = 328475 mm3.
Sb = M/Z=10e6/328475=30.44
-> SCF=467.3/30.44 = 15.35 = NOZZLEFLEX VALUE
Max principal stress outside weld zone = 454.1MPa
SCF check, Branch section modulus =328475 mm3
Sb = M/Z=10e6/328475=30.44
-> SCF=454.1/30.44 = 14.92 = (2.8% lower than NozzleFlex 15.35)
Torsional stiffness (torsion 10000Nm applied):Torsional stiffness (torsion 10000Nm applied):
SE head torsional deformation (SAP 2000)SE head torsional deformation (Mecway)
Mt=10000Nm, angle to horizontal = 83.46deg
My = 10000sin83.54 = 9935Nm, Mx = 10000cos83.54=1139Nm
Take average of 4 points
On X-axis
Pt100100, X=304.55,Y=420.795,Z=0. Dx=Dy=0. Dz = -0.00836
Pt132100, X=95.45,Y=444.948,Z=0. Dx=Dy=0. Dz = 0.01038
Length of ‘diameter’ = 210.49mm. Relative Dz= 0.01038+0.00836=0.01874
Rotation = asin 0.01874/210.49=0.00510
Parallel to Z-axis
Pt116100, X=200, Y=433.04, Z=104.55. Dx=0.00962, Dy=-0.00137, Dz =0.00074.
Pt148100, X=200, Y-433.04, Z=-104.55, Dx=-0.00962,Dy=0.00137,Dz=0.00074.
Relative Dx =0.01924 & Dy = -0.00274, RES=0.01943,
Diameter = 209.1mm.
Rotation = asin 0.01943/209.1=0.00532
Average = 0.00521DEG
->k=1918642Nm/deg; (1.5% greater than Nozzleflex 1889935)

As torsional stiffness of the vessel intersection is high compared to the nozzle neck, results are sensitive to small differences between shell and beam element stiffnesses in shear /torsion.
Take average of 4 points
On X-axis
Pt100100, Dz=-0.00836 (Dx=Dy=0)
Pt132100, Dz= 0.01040 (Dx=Dy=0)
Relative Dz= 0.01040+0.00836=0.01876
Rotation = asin 0.01876/210.49=0.00511
Parallel to Z-axis
Pt116100,Dx=0.00963, Dy=-0.00133, Dz=0.00076
Pt148100, Dx=-0.00963, Dy=0.00133, Dz=0.00076
Relative Dx =0.01926 & Dy = -0.00266, RES=0.01944,
Rotation = asin 0.01944/209.1=0.00533
Average = 0.00522
-> k=1916300Nm/deg. (1.4% greater than Nozzleflex 1889935)
Repeat longitudinal check for mesh size 1:Repeat longitudinal check for mesh size 1:
Nozzle Flex K=17662 (0.1% greater than mesh size 3).

Displacements Pt100100, DX=0.20677,DY=0.97938
Pt 164100, DX=-0.02598, DY=-1.09905
RELATIVE DISPLACEMENT DELTA X = 0.2327, DELTA Y =2.0784
STARTING ANGLE TO X-AXIS AS PER PREV. CALC = -6.558°
ENDING INTERSECTION DIAMETER LINE DELTA X= 210.1+0.233 = 210.333, DELTA Y = -24.153+2.078 = -22.075
ANGLE TO X-AXIS ENDING: ATAN -22.075/210.333 = -5.991°
ROTATION ABOUT Z-AXIS = 0.5665°
LOAD = 10KNM -> STIFFNESS = 17652NM/DEG. (~AS PER NOZZLE FLEX)
Node 1, DX=0.2060, DY=0.9789
Node 4725, DX=-0.0265, DY=-1.1011
REL DISPL DELTA X=, DELTA Y = 0.2325, DELTA Y = 2.0800
STARTING ANGLE TO X-AXIS AS PER PREV. CALC = -6.558°
ENDING INTERSECTION DIAMETER LINE DELTA X= 210.1+0.2325 = 210.3325, DELTA Y = -24.153+2.080 = -22.073
ANGLE TO X-AXIS ENDING: ATAN -22.073/210.3325 = -5.9909°
ROTATION ABOUT Z-AXIS = 0.5671°
LOAD = 10KNM -> STIFFNESS = 17633NM/DEG. (0.2% LOWER THAN NOZZLEFLEX)
Longitudinal SCF (mesh size 1):Longitudinal SCF (mesh size 1):
SE head principal stress - mesh size 1 (SAP 2000)SE head principal stress - mesh size 1 (Mecway)
SCF_ib = 16.07 (1.8% greater than value 15.78 at mesh size 3)
Max principal stress outside weld zone = 489.3MPa
SCF check, Branch section modulus =pi.(219.1^4-199.1^4)/(219.1.32) = 328475 mm3.
Sb = M/Z=10e6/328475=30.44
-> SCF=489.3/30.44 = 16.07 = NOZZLEFLEX VALUE
Max principal stress outside weld zone = 493.6MPa
SCF check, Branch section modulus =328475 mm3
Sb = M/Z=10e6/328475=30.44
-> SCF=493.6/30.44 = 16.22 = (0.9% greater than NozzleFlex)

Nozzle Flex listing and results for mesh size 3:

Nozzle FleX Plugin for SAP2000
Version 2.0, by Xtrados Pty Ltd.

INPUTS

Geometry type: SEhead
Nozzle angle: Vertical
Mesh size (1-5) : 3
Poisson's ratio : 0.3
Young's modulus (MPa): 206850
Branch standout (mm): 300
Ellipsoidal ratio : 2
Fillet weld leg (mm): 0
Hillside offset (mm): 200
Re-pad thickness (mm): 0
Re-pad width (mm): 0
Branch thk. (mm): 10
Branch OD (mm): 219.1
Shell thk. (mm): 10
Shell OD (mm): 1800

OUTPUTS

Radial stiffness: 78026 (N/mm)
Longit. stiffness: 17641 (Nm/deg.)
Circum. stiffness: 17845 (Nm/deg.)
Torsional stiffness: 1889935 (Nm/deg.)

SCF_ab: 22.06
SCF_ib: 15.78
SCF_ob: 15.35
SCF_tb: 1.05

In-plane flexibility factor: 35.22
Out-plane flexibility factor: 34.82
Torsional flexibility factor: 1

Other model details

Branch standout (mm): as above
Radial angle from horizontal (deg): 83.46

Nozzle Flex listing and results for mesh size 1:

Nozzle FleX Plugin for SAP2000
Version 2.0, by Xtrados Pty Ltd.

INPUTS

Geometry type: SEhead
Nozzle angle: Vertical
Mesh size (1-5) : 1
Poisson's ratio : 0.3
Young's modulus (MPa): 206850
Branch standout (mm): 300
Ellipsoidal ratio : 2
Fillet weld leg (mm): 0
Hillside offset (mm): 200
Re-pad thickness (mm): 0
Re-pad width (mm): 0
Branch thk. (mm): 10
Branch OD (mm): 219.1
Shell thk. (mm): 10
Shell OD (mm): 1800

OUTPUTS

Radial stiffness: 77895 (N/mm)
Longit. stiffness: 17662 (Nm/deg.)
Circum. stiffness: 17862 (Nm/deg.)
Torsional stiffness: 1912483 (Nm/deg.)

SCF_ab: 22.43
SCF_ib: 16.07
SCF_ob: 15.63
SCF_tb: 1.04

In-plane flexibility factor: 35.18
Out-plane flexibility factor: 34.78
Torsional flexibility factor: 1

Other model details

Branch standout (mm): as above
Radial angle from horizontal (deg): 83.46

Cylindrical Intersection

The nozzle stiffness outputs from Nozzle FleX are compared to values manually calculated from the SAP2000 model. See the Nozzle FleX listing at the end for full details of the model.

Manually calculated stiffnesses are less than Nozzle FleX outputs by the following amounts

  • Radial: 0.25%
  • Circumferential: 0.0%
  • Longitudinal: 2.8%
  • Torsional: 4.9%

The manual calculations consider only deflections at two or four points on the circumference, whereas Nozzle FleX considers the entire circumference. There can also be small differences in results between beam and shell models, which tends to exaggerate differences for stiff rotational axes (ie torsional).

SAP2000 Results and hand calculations
Radial stiffness (force applied 10000N):
cylinder with radial deflection
Average points at 0 and 90 deg
Pt 100100, Dy=-0.38547mm
Pt 116100, Dy=-0.38916mm
Average = 0.38732mm
Note that Nozzle FleX intersection stiffness results Do Not include header / vessel deflections, and therefore we must subtract deflection of the header (6m long DN400 x 10mm thick cylinder with central load).
The classical beam deflection (ignoring shear effects) is not accurate enough here, instead we run a beam model in SAP2000 and get deflection 0.2525mm (vs 0.2222mm using classical beam equations).
deflected shape of beam
Subtract theoretical header defln 0.2525mm, giving nett radial 0.1348mm
->k=10000/0.1348 = 74173N/mm (0.25% less than NozzleFlex 74360)
Circumferential stiffness (load applied 10000Nm):
cylinder circumferential deflection
Intersection points at Z=0
Pt 100100, X=45, Y=193.02
Displ Dx=0.8031, Dy=1.3824
Pt 132100, X=-45, Y=193.02
Dx=0.8031, Dy=-1.3824
Dia = 90mm; radius 45mm
Rotation = atan(1.3824/45) = 1.7596deg.
-> k=10000/1.76 = 5682Nm/deg
Subtract theoretical header rotation ML/(4JG) = 0.02207deg; nett rotation = 1.7375deg
-> k=10000/1.7375 = 5755Nm/deg (~NozzleFlex 5752)
Longitudinal stiffness (moment applied 10000Nm):
cylindrical intersection longitudinal deflection
Intersection points at X=0
Pt 116100, Y=198.2, Z=45.0
Dy=0.51881, Dz=-0.05477
Pt 148100, Y=198.2, Z=-45
Dy=-0.51881, Dz=-0.05477
Radius 45mm
Rotation = atan(0.51881/45) = 0.66054
Subtract theoretical header rotation ML/(16EI) = 0.00424deg; nett rotation = 0.65630deg
->k=10000/0.6563 = 15237Nm/deg (2.8% less than NozzleFlex 15680)
Torsional stiffness (torsion 10000Nm applied):
torsional displacement of cylindrical intersection
Average points at 0 and 90 deg
Pt 100100, Dz=-0.0230mm
Rotation = atan (0.023/45)=0.02928deg
Pt 116100, Dx=0.05357mm
Rotation = atan (0.05357/45)=0.06837deg
Average = 0.04883deg
Subtract theoretical header rot’n 0.00424deg
Nett rotation = 0.04459deg
->k=10000/0.04459 = 224266 (4.9% less than Nozzle Flex 235808)
As torsional stiffness of the intersection is high compared to the nozzle neck, results are sensitive to small differences between shell and beam element stiffnesses in shear /torsion.
Nozzle FleX Plugin for SAP2000
Version 2.0, by Xtrados Pty Ltd.

INPUTS

Geometry type: Cylinder
Nozzle angle: Normal
Mesh size (1-5) : 3
Poisson's ratio : 0.3
Young's modulus (MPa): 206850
Branch standout (mm): 200
Distance to rigid end 2 (mm): 3000
Distance to rigid end 1 (mm): 3000
Fillet weld leg (mm): 0
Hillside offset (mm): 0
Re-pad thickness (mm): 0
Re-pad width (mm): 0
Cut through shell? : Y
Branch thk. (mm): 10
Branch OD (mm): 100
Shell thk. (mm): 10
Shell OD (mm): 406.4

OUTPUTS

Radial stiffness: 74360 (N/mm)
Longit. stiffness: 15680 (Nm/deg.)
Circum. stiffness: 5752 (Nm/deg.)
Torsional stiffness: 235808 (Nm/deg.)

SCF_ab: 17.99
SCF_ib: 4.55
SCF_ob: 8.1
SCF_tb: 1.22

In-plane flexibility factor: 7.41
Out-plane flexibility factor: 20.21
Torsional flexibility factor: 1

Other model details

Branch standout (mm): as above
Distance to rigid end 1 (mm): as above
Distance to rigid end 2 (mm): as above