Session: MF-15-01 Fatigue and Fracture of Welds and Heat Affected Zones-1

Paper Number: 155787

155787 - Large Scale Vibration Assessment Utilising a Hybrid Measurement Approach to Inform Detailed Finite Element Modelling 

Abstract: 

Flow-Induced Turbulence (FIT) is a one of the most common root causes for fatigue failures in process pipework. While recent advancements have improved design-phase guidance to mitigate FIT, addressing these issues in existing plants remains challenging and can be cost-prohibitive due to the need for major changes in process conditions, design, or physical layout. A novel approach to analyse and ensure the safe operation of plant equipment and structural arrangements has been developed for environments where traditional strain measurements are impractical.

Development of this approach includes the use of advanced imaging, in combination with traditional handheld analysis tools, to describe the system behaviour and response for multiple large-scale structures. This enables results of the site assessment to be fed into an advanced numerical analysis with the aim to provide a complete integrity assessment of locations which would be not be otherwise assessable.

Using a case study, it is shown how the application of Finite Element Models (FEMs) assesses the risk of vibration-induced fatigue (VIF) damage in a complex piping system and its structural supports. Models are refined using measurements from a vibration survey, utilising data from a motion amplification camera (MAC) to produce the structural deflection shapes which are used in a numerical analysis to create a true virtual representation of the as-built arrangement and its vibration response. The numerical analysis uses a series of detailed sub-models to enhance model fidelity for areas with concerning predicted dynamic stress responses and extracts dynamic stresses at critical locations, allowing the results to be compared to the relevant applicable standards and guidelines.

This hybrid measurement approach, combining advanced imaging techniques and FEM, provides a robust framework for assessing and ensuring the structural integrity of complex systems under dynamic loading conditions.

Presenting Author: Christopher Welsh Xodus

Presenting Author Biography: Christopher Welsh is a Principal Engineer at Xodus; specialising in the measurement, analysis, and prediction of vibration-induced fatigue failure of welds in topsides and subsea pipework systems.

Authors:

Christopher Welsh Xodus
Gernot Wally Xodus