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Mechanical

News
Engineering
VOLUME 27 JUNE 1999

Merger Turns to Collaboration - Volume 25


COADE Remains Independent
By: Richard Ay and Tom Van Laan

The most recent issue of Mechanical Engineering news publicized the


impending merger of Research Engineers, Inc. and COADE, scheduled to
close in late December 1998. Upon further review, the Boards of Directors of
both Research Engineers, Inc. and COADE determined that the conditions
relating to the acquisition were no longer in the best interest of either company’s
shareholders, and the merger process was halted.

The management of both Research Engineers, Inc. and COADE remain


convinced of the potential synergies between the companies and the attendant
value that might be captured from those synergies. Both companies are
currently discussing future areas of collaboration and the formation of an
inter-company Executive Committee to provide oversight for the proposed
alliance.

The potential areas of collaboration include: the formation of a joint Steering


Group for both companies; > continued on p.2

FOR THE POWER, IN THIS ISSUE:

PETROCHEMICAL AND Ball Joint What’s New at COADE


Modeling Merger Turns to Collaboration ....................... 1
RELATED INDUSTRIES > see story page 14 CAESAR II Version 4.10 Released
in February ................................................. 2
PV Elite Version 3.50 Features ..................... 4
CAESAR II TANK Version 2.00 Released in January ...... 5
Speed Tests New Look for COADE Web Site ..................... 8
> see story page 9 CAESAR II Speed Benchmarks .................... 9

Technology You Can Use


Using Improving Support and Remote
NetMeeting Demonstrations with Microsoft
> see story page 10 NetMeeting .............................................. 10
The COADE Mechanical Engineering Automatic On-Line Registration ................... 12
News Bulletin is published periodically API-650 10th Edition Published .................... 13
from the COADE offices in Houston,
Texas. The Bulletin is intended to provide The “Year 2000” Issue ................................. 13
information about software applications
Hinges, Ball-Joints, & Friction in CAESAR II. 14
and development for Mechanical
Engineers serving the power, petrochemi- PC Hardware for the Engineering User
cal and related industries. Additionally, the
Bulletin serves as the official notification
(Part 27) ................................................... 19
vehicle for software errors discovered in
those Mechanical Engineering programs Program Specifications
offered by COADE. (Please note, this CAESAR II Notices ...................................... 20
bulletin is published only two to three
times per year.) TANK Notices ............................................... 21
CODECALC Notices .................................... 21
©1999 COADE, Inc. All rights reserved.
PV Elite Notices ........................................... 22
COADE Mechanical Engineering News June 1999

Merger Turns to Collaboration - Full LIST Processor: With Version 4.10, the LIST processor has
COADE Remains Independent been fully implemented. This processor generates a “grid” view of
> continued from p 1 the selected data type. The LIST processor is an excellent tool for
data verification and possible modification. The figure below
the development of interfaces between the companies’ products; shows a typical Restraint List.
joint marketing and advertising campaigns; utilization of each other’s
marketing and distribution infrastructure; joint product training
seminars and joint corporate account marketing.

CAESAR II Version 4.10 Released


By: Richard Ay

As most CAESAR II users know, Version 4.10 was released in late


February. Version 4.10 has introduced many new features which
have generally been well received by the user base.

The major improvements incorporated in the 4.10 release were The “spinner control” (the left/right arrows at the lower left corner
discussed in the last issue of Mechanical Engineering News. There of the figure) scroll through the available report types, presented as
were however, many additional improvements throughout the “tabs” at the bottom of the window. Alternatively, the right mouse
software, which were too numerous to list. Some of these button will bring up a context menu listing all of the available
improvements are discussed in the paragraphs that follow. options and list types.

FileOpen Dialog: When users click on the “File\Open” menu API-610 Analysis: Many users are still not aware of the change
option (or click on the “open folder icon”), the system responds made to the coordinate system by API-610 8th Edition. This edition
with the expected “file open” dialog box. This dialog box allows rotated the pump’s coordinate system so that “Z” is up, previous
users to navigate through all system disk drives to find the desired editions defined “Y” up. The output of the API-610 module has
input file. Often, there are many CAESAR II input files in the been improved for Version 4.10, now the user’s input in the
target directory, some with similar names. Version 4.10 expanded CAESAR II global coordinate system (“Y” up) is reported, followed
the “file open” dialog to include a graphic “thumbnail” plot of the by the input translated into the new API-610 coordinate system (“Z”
current job file. Users can see a plot of the job file by simply up).
clicking on the file names, as shown in the figure below.

The use of this dialog allows users to select models without entering
the input processor and plotting the job to determine its configuration.

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June 1999 COADE Mechanical Engineering News

Static Output Filters: To aid in static output review, filters have Drop Lists have been added for load cases, stress types, directions,
been added to the menu. These filters allow the user to restrict etc. Certain lists (load cases for example) are built at run time, and
reports to show only critical results. For example, the figure below their content varies by job.
shows how stress results could be limited to only those nodes where
the stress exceeds 50% of the allowable. MRU List Expanded: The “Most Recently Used” file list has been
expanded (to include up to 15 jobs), and synchronized with the piping
input processor. The MRU list allows the reselection of any of the
last 15 jobs, simply by selecting the desired job file name from the
list. The expanded MRU list is shown in the figure below.

Filters are provided for displacements, restraint loads, element


forces, and element stresses.
The first revision to Version 4.10 (Build 990507) incorporates a
few additional enhancements. These enhancements are non-technical
Drop Lists for Dynamic Input: To simplify the dynamic input,
in nature: (do not affect the QA of Version 4.10) and are intended
many input items have been provided with drop lists. These drop
simply to provide additional “ease of use” for the user. Some of
lists enable the user to specify data by simply picking from an
these modifications are discussed in the paragraphs below.
allowed list of options. No longer do you have to enter 1 or 0 for
“yes” and “no”, just pick the desired choice from the list. The figure
Graphic FileOpen Dialog: The new graphic FileOpen dialog
below shows the new drop list for the “Static Load Case for Nonlinear
(found in the Main Menu) has been added to the piping input
Restraint Status” field on the Control Parameters tab. The contents
preprocessor.
of this list show the available static load cases that were analyzed,
which can be referenced here.
Disable Switch for Graphic FileOpen Dialog: On some computers,
the new graphic FileOpen dialog occasionally caused problems,
resulting in the inability to use the “File Open” to switch jobs.
Therefore, an option to disable the graphics in this dialog box has
been added to the Configuration Module. This new option can be
found on the “Miscellaneous” tab.

Graphics Routines: The graphics routines have been profiled for


the purposes of optimizing their performance. Modifications here
have resulted in a 36% speed improvement in the graphics routines.

Structural Graphics: Two new options have been provided to


display the material and cross section ID numbers.

Input Echo: The INP formatting files have been modified to move
the job name reference to its own line. This allows the full path
name of the job to be displayed or printed.

Expansion Joint Data Bases: An “axial” expansion joint data


base from Flexider has been added.

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COADE Mechanical Engineering News June 1999

PV Elite Version 3.50 Features FLANGE ANALYSIS of Identical Flange Pairs Per Appendix Y
Corroded Flange ID, BCOR = B+2.0*FCOR 10.000 in.
By: Scott Mayeux Corroded Flange Thickness, TH = T-FCOR 0.625 in.
Corroded Large Hub, G1COR = G1-FCOR 0.000 in.
Corroded Small Hub, G0COR = G0-FCOR 0.000 in.
Code R Dimension, R = ((C-BCOR)/2.0)-G1COR 2.125 in.
PV Elite 3.50 is scheduled to be released in July 1999. This version Code R Dimension, R = ((C-BCOR)/2.0)-G1COR 2.125 in.
will contain new features and two new component analysis modules.
Gasket Contact Width, N = (GOD-GID) / 2 0.100 in.
The two new component modules include the analysis of stresses on Basic Gasket Width, B0 = N / 2.0 0.050 in.
Effective Gasket Width, BE = B0 0.050 in.
shells and nozzles per Welding Research Council Bulletin 297. Gasket Reaction Diameter, G = (GOD+GID) / 2.0 12.000 in.
The other new module will be the analysis of Flat Face Flanges with Radial Contact Dist., hcmax = (A - C) / 2 0.875 in.

Metal-to-Metal contact Outside the Bolt Circle per Appendix Y of


BASIC FLANGE AND BOLT LOADS:
ASME Section VIII Division 1. Required thickness and MAWP of Hydrostatic End Load due to Pressure:
Class 1, category 1, 2 and 3 identical flange pairs can be computed. H = 0.785 * G * G * PEQ
H = 0.785 * 12.0000 * 12.0000 * 150.0000
The analysis of these flanges is similar to that of Appendix 2 flanges H = 16956. lb.
Contact Load on Gasket Surfaces:
but with many differences. These types of flanges typically have a HP = 2.0 * BE * 3.14 * G * M * PE
self sealing O-ring gasket in the recess of one of the flanges. A HP = 2.0 * 0.0500 * 3.14 * 12.0000 * 0.0000 * 150.00
HP = 0. lb.
sketch and calculation for an Appendix Y flange is shown below. Hydrostatic End Load at Flange ID:
HD = 0.785 * B² * PEQ
HD = 0.785 * 10.0000² * 150.0000
HD = 11775. lb.
Pressure Force on Flange Face:
HT = H - HD
HT = 16956 - 11775
HT = 5181. lb.

MOMENT ARM CALCULATIONS:


Distance to Gasket Load Reaction:
DHG = (C - G ) / 2.0
DHG = ( 14.2500 - 12.0000 ) / 2.0
DHG = 1.1250 in.
Distance to Face Pressure Reaction:
DHT = ( DHD + DHG ) / 2.0
DHT = ( 2.1250 + 1.1250 ) / 2.0
DHT = 1.6250 in.
Distance to End Pressure Reaction:
DHD = ( C - BCOR )/ 2.0
DHD = ( 14.2500 - 10.0000 ) / 2.0
DHD = 2.1250 in.

SUMMARY OF MOMENTS FOR INTERNAL PRESSURE:


LOADING Force Distance Bolt Corr Moment
End Pressure, MD 11775. 2.1250 1.0000 2085. ft.lb.
Face Pressure, MT 5181. 1.6250 1.0000 702. ft.lb.
Gasket Load, MG 0. 1.1250 1.0000 0. ft.lb.
Gasket Seating, MA 41094. 1.1250 1.0000 3853. ft.lb.
Gasket Seating, MA 41094. 1.1250 1.0000 3853. ft.lb.
TOTAL MOMENT FOR OPERATION, RMO 2787. ft.lb.
TOTAL MOMENT FOR GASKET SEATING, RMA 3853. ft.lb.

INPUT VALUES, FLANGE NUMBER 1, Description: APPY Effective Hub Length, H0 = 0.000 in.
Hub Ratio, HRAT = Defined as 0.0 0.000
Description of Flange Geometry (Type) Loose Slip On Thickness Ratio, GRAT = Defined as 0.0 0.000
Design Pressure P 150.00 psig
Design Temperature 100.00 F
Corrosion Allowance FCOR 0.0000 in. Flange Factors for Loose Flange:
Factor Fl per 2-7.4 15.000
Flange Inside Diameter B 10.0000 in. Factor Vl per 2-7.5 194.636
Flange Outside Diameter A 16.0000 in. Factor f per 2-7.6 1.000
Flange Thickness T 0.6250 in.
Factors from Figure 2-7.1 K = 1.600
Flange Material SA-240 316L T = 1.668 U = 4.732
Flange Allowable Stress At Temperature SFO 16300.00 psi Y = 4.306 Z = 2.282
Flange Allowable Stress At Ambient SFA 16300.00 psi
Stress Analysis of a Class 1 Assembly
Bolt Material SA-193 B7
Bolt Allowable Stress At Temperature SBO 18000.00 psi Compute the Factor: F’
Bolt Allowable Stress At Ambient SBA 18000.00 psi = g0² * ( h0 + F * T ) / V
= 0.0000 * ( 0.0000 + 15.0000 * 0.6250 ) / 194.6356
Diameter of Bolt Circle C 14.2500 in. = 0.0000
Nominal Bolt Diameter DB 0.7500 in.
Type of Threads UNC Thread Series Factor: Js
Number of Bolts 12 = 1/B1 * ( 2*hd/ß + hc/a ) + pi*rb
= 1/10.000(2*2.125/1.2125+0.8750/1.5125)+3.14159*0.009012
Gasket Outside Diameter GOD 12.1000 in. = 0.4367
Gasket Inside Diameter GID 11.9000 in. Factor: Jp
Gasket Factor, m, M 0.0000 = 1/B1 * ( hd/ß + hc/a ) + pi*rb
Gasket Design Seating Stress Y 0.00 psi = 1/10.000(2.125/1.2125+0.8750/1.5125)+3.14159*0.009012
= 0.2614
Elastic Modulus of Bolt Material at Des. Temp 29538461 psi
Elastic Modulus of Flange Material at Des. Temp 28138460 psi

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June 1999 COADE Mechanical Engineering News

Flange Moment due to Flange-Hub Interaction: Ms


= -( Jp * F’ * Mp )/( t^3 + Js * F’ )
= -( 0.2614 * 0.0000 * 33440.99 )/( 0.6250 + 0.4367 * 0.0000 )
TANK Version 2.00
= 0.0000 ft.lb.

Slope of the Flange at the ID times E (Elastic Modulus): Ethetab


Moves to Windows
= 5.46/(pi*t^3) * ( Js*Ms + Jp*Mp ) By: Richard Ay
= 5.46/(3.14159 * 0.6250^3) * ( 0.4367* 0.00 + 0.2614* 33440.99 )
= 62233. psi

Contact Force between Flanges at hc: Hc


The TANK program has been revised to include the latest Addenda
= ( Mp + Ms ) / hc for API-650 (American Petroleum Institute Standard 650) and
= ( 33440.99 + 0.00 ) / 0.8750 )
= 38218. lb. API-653. API-650, Addendum 4 and API-653 Addendum 2 were
Operating Bolt Load: Wm1
both published in December 1997. (Note, the 10th Edition of API-
= H + Hg + Hc 650 has not been addressed by TANK Version 2.00.) These
= 16956.00 + 0.00 + 38218.26
= 55174. lb. addenda necessitated a number of changes to the software, as listed
Operating Bolt Stress: Sigmab
in the tables below. Additionally, a number of modifications have
= Wm1 / Ab been made as a result of user requests and code interpretations.
= 55174.26 / 3.6240
= 15225. psi These changes are also noted in the tables below.
Design Prestress in the Bolts: Si
= Sigmab - 1.159 * hc² * (Mp+Ms)/( a * t^3 * l * re * B1 ) API-650 Changes:
= 15224-1.159*0.875²*(33440)/(1.512*0.6250^3*2.000*2.000
= 11207. psi

Radial Flange Stress at the Bolt Circle: Sr


• The material database has been updated to reflect the changes
= 6 * (Mp + Ms)/( t² * ( pi*C - n*D ) ) to Table 3-2. This involved removing both A442 materials.
= 6 * ( 33440 + 0) /( 0.6250²( pi * 14.2500 - 12 * 0.8750 ) )
= 14989. psi
• Appendix F no longer forces a redesign utilizing Appendix A.
Tangential Flange Stress at the Inside Diameter: STid
= (t*Ethetab/B1)
= ( 0.6250* 62233.34 / 10.0000)
• Appendix I changed the equation for the maximum deflection
= 3890. psi by raising a term in the denominator to the 3rd power.
Summary of Flange Stresses :
Actual Allowable • Section 3.4.2 has been incorporated, which insures that the
Radial Flange Stress at the Bolt Circle 14989.44 16300.00 psi
Tangential Flange Stress at the ID 3889.58 16300.00 psi
bottom plate diameter is at least D + 2 inches.
Bolt Stress 15224.69 18000.00 psi
• A modification has been made to the implementation of
Results for Required Thickness and M.A.W.P.
Minimum Required Flange Thickness 0.5993 in. Section 3.5.2, to include the bottom shell course thickness.
Estimated M.A.W.P. 163.11 psig
• Allowances have been made to enable metric jobs to utilize 6
mm plate as the minimum thickness instead of 0.25 inch plate.
Another addition to the new version will be consideration of ASME
Code Cases 2260 and 2261. These code cases provide alternate API-653 Changes:
rules for the design (required thickness) of elliptical and torispherical
heads. Based on the new equations, the required thickness of these • The equations for determining the allowable stress have been
head types will be less than that required by the equations listed in modified as per the recent addendum.
UG-32. There are some limitations to the new rules that designers • Incorporated a recent Code Interpretation stating that the
must be aware of. For example, all but the smallest nozzles ( min of Appendix M reduction factor should be applied to both terms
( 2.375 in, or 0.5*knuckle radius ) ) are allowed to be located in the in the allowable stress determination.
knuckle region. This is because of the high local strains in this
region. One must also carefully consider the effect of structural • Modified the basic thickness equation in accordance with the
attachments in this region and maximum temperature. Note that recent addendum (it no longer subtracts 1 foot from the fluid
case 2260 applies to Section VIII Division 1 and case 2261 applies height).
to Section VIII Division 2. The use of either of these code cases is
• Incorporated the new computations for the allowed hydrotest
optional and must be specified by the user for a particular job.
height.
• Modified the allowed settlement measurement points from 30
ft to 32 ft around the circumference, in accordance with the
recent addendum.
TANK, Version 1.60, released in early February 1999, includes all
of the changes listed in the tables above. Users should note that
Version 1.60 is the last DOS version of TANK. All subsequent
versions will be native Windows programs.

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COADE Mechanical Engineering News June 1999

Version 2.00 of TANK is the first Windows version, and was


released with Version 1.60. Both versions reside on the same CD-
ROM. Version 1.60 and Version 2.00 are technically equivalent.
Both versions share the same features and capabilities, and both
yield the same results. Input files can be passed between these two
versions.

Version 2.00 is targeted toward Windows 95/98/NT 4.0 systems.


Version 2.00 will not run under Windows 3.1x or Windows NT
3.51. Version 2.00 relies on standard 32 bit Windows components,
which are part of the current Windows (95/98/NT 4.0) operating
systems. These standard components allow improved functionality,
in the areas of file management and data presentation. Version 2.00
also provides HTML help, which requires the presence of Internet
Explorer to function properly.

The primary emphasis in the conversion of TANK to Windows was


to keep the interface layout as close as possible to the previous DOS Each input item (edit box) is shown with descriptive text and the
versions, while taking advantage of standard Windows components. expected units. When this information is not sufficient, the on-line
Users familiar with the layout of the DOS version should feel help can be activated. TANK Version 2.00 implements the HTML
comfortable with Version 2.00 immediately. The screen below help system suggested for current software. (This help system
shows the TANK Main Menu, with the input menu expanded. requires the presence of Internet Explorer somewhere on the system.)
A typical help window is shown in the figure below.

Where appropriate, tool bar buttons have been provided to allow When appropriate, the help system refers to related sections of the
quick selection of frequently used options. Each tool bar button API codes. This can be seen in the figure above. Note that the help
corresponds to a text based menu item, as shown in the figure system is organized in a hierarchical fashion, similar to a book.
above. Selections can be made by pressing the tool bar button, or Each book (shown in the left pane above) represents a dialog box.
by picking the desired option from a menu. Chapters represent tabs on the dialog, with pages representing each
item. A built in search feature enables rapid navigation in the help
When an input menu or tool bar item is selected, a “tabbed” dialog system,.
box is presented to allow user input. A typical input dialog box is
shown in the following figure.

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June 1999 COADE Mechanical Engineering News

Once the input has been specified, and successfully passed error A plot of the nozzle interaction diagram (for longitudinal moment
checking, the analysis can commence. Following the analysis, the versus radial force) is shown in the figure below.
results can be viewed in tabular report form, or graphically. The
reports present the results segregated by topics, which correspond
to the main input categories. As in the help system, the output
reports reference code sections when appropriate. A typical output
report is shown in the figure below.

Version 2.00 also includes on-line documentation, in PDF format.


This is a standard document format for distributing Windows
documents. The on-line documentation can be viewed using the
Adobe Acrobat Reader, as shown in the figure below.

As an alternative to text based report review, results can be viewed


graphically for shell settlement, nozzle interaction diagrams, and
supported cone roof design. A sample output graphic from a
supported cone roof design is shown in the figure below.

The Acrobat Reader allows rapid navigation through the document,


as well as the ability to print necessary pages or sections.

Version 2.00 also includes many standard Windows features, such


as: tip of the day, on-line registration, Windows diagnostics programs,
a standard Windows installation, automatic loading of necessary
drivers, full mouse and/or keyboard navigation. The distribution
CD also includes: TANK Version 1.60 the Adobe Acrobat Reader,
Internet Explorer 4, and the brochures and demos of the other
COADE software products.

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COADE Mechanical Engineering News June 1999

By clicking on the appropriate link, the download page for the


New Look for COADE Web Site selected program is presented. The download page contains links
By: Richard Ay
to update archives, containing the revised modules for the product.
By checking this area of the web site at least once a month, you
Recently the home page of the COADE web site was redesigned. insure your software installation remains current.
This redesign provides more information to the viewer in less
space, while providing more obvious links to important topics. The The discussion forums have been mentioned many times in this
most noticeable change is the relocation of the navigation bar from publication. Users repeatedly state that they review the content of
the top to the left side of the page. The redesigned home page is these forums often. The more contributions we have to this area of
shown in the figure below. the web site, the more useful it will become for everyone.

There are other areas of the web site full of information, a few
examples are listed below:

• Software product information: Click the [Products] button,


then click on the link for the desired product. This area of the
web site contains descriptive information as well as the
technical bulletins in PDF format.
• Seminar & Show information: Click the [Seminars &
Shows] button. The resulting page contains links to COADE
sponsored seminars, seminars held by our dealers, and
international shows were COADE products can be seen.
• Technical Information: Click the [General Info] button.
This will present a page with links for each product. These
links produce a list of articles that can be viewed on line.
These articles include FAQ (frequently asked questions) files
for the products, discussions on specific technical topics, and
Two of the primary purposes for the web site are the distribution of software applications.
software maintenance updates, and information exchange through
• Travel Information: In the center of the home page is a
the discussion forums. The [Download] button on the navigation
section labeled “Other Important Links”. One link leads to the
bar (in the figure above) produces a page with links to the download
COADE travel center. This page lists nearby hotels, shows
area for each COADE product.
maps of the area, and provides links to local weather
information.
• Past Newsletters: Also in the “Other Important Links”
section, is a link to a page listing the past five issues of this
newsletter. These are presented in PDF format, for either
downloading or viewing on the web.
• Recommended Texts: Many users request references for
additional information on the usage of our software and its
theoretical background. In answer to this request, the COADE
web site contains a “Reference” section, which lists the titles
of texts we recommend. Clicking on any of the titles takes you
to amazon.com, where additional information on the text can
be found, and if desired, the text can be purchased.
The COADE web site is full of information. Content is changed on
a weekly basis, sometimes even daily. You should visit often.

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June 1999 COADE Mechanical Engineering News

CAESAR II Speed Benchmarks


By: Richard Ay

Users have requested information on how they might expect


CAESAR II to perform on various hardware platforms. In response
to this request, five sample jobs have been studied on a number of
platforms. The results of this study are presented in the tables
SPBENCH3 SPBENCH4
below. These evaluations used CAESAR II Version 4.10 Build
990507.

Machine Characteristics
Machine Processor Memory Video Operating
System

#1 Dell Dual P-400 256Mbytes Diamond AGP 8Mbytes - NT 4 SrvcPk 3


Desktop 1600x1200x16 bits
#2 Dell P-200 64Mbytes Matrox MGA 4Mbytes - Win95 SrvcPk 1
Desktop 1024x768x24 bits
#3 Dell P-166 64 Mbytes Diamond Stealth 64 2Mbytes - Win95 SrvcPk 1
SPBENCH5
Desktop 1152x864x16bits
#4 Compaq P-366 256 Mbytes 2 Mbytes 1024x768x16 bites NT SrvcPk 3
Notebook Benchmark Results
#5 Dell P-400 256 Mbytes STB Vida 8Mbytes Win 98
MMX Desktop 1024x768x32 bits
Job File Size Number Machine Input Load Volume Static Static Load
of Time Plot Solution Stress Cases
Elements Time Time Report
A series of five jobs were evaluated to determine the time to: load
the job in the input processor, generate a volume plot, perform the SPBENCH1 364 Kbytes 1108 #1 2 sec 4 sec 20 sec 14 sec 6+2
solution, and generate an on screen stress report. Loading the job in #2
#3
6sec
4 sec
11 sec
13 sec
68 sec
77 sec
20 sec
45 sec
the input processor provides an indicator of the speed of the hard #4 4 sec 4 sec 19 sec 16 sec
#5 3 sec 4 sec 26 sec 19 sec
disk/memory combination. The generation of the volume plot
SPBENCH2 103 Kbytes 226 #1 2 sec 1 sec 8 sec 3 sec 2+1
indicates the overall performance of the graphics system. The #2 3 sec 2 sec 14 sec 3 sec
#3 3 sec 2 sec 16 sec 7 sec
solution time was measured from the moment the “analyze” button #4 2 sec 1 sec 9 sec 4 sec
was clicked until the output menu was displayed. This measurement #5 3 sec 1 sec 13 sec 4 sec

gives a good indication of the overall system performance. The SPBENCH3 151 Kbytes 260 #1 2 sec 2 sec 13 sec 4 sec 7+7
#2 3 sec 3 sec 41 sec 6 sec
stress report generation is also a measure of the graphics system #3 3 sec 3 sec 45 sec 11 sec
#4 2 sec 2 sec 14 sec 5 sec
performance. The results of these tests for the five jobs (sketched #5 3 sec 2 sec 18 sec 5 sec
below) are presented in the following table. SPBENCH4 95 Kbytes 240 #1 2 sec 2 sec 10 sec 3 sec 6+2
#2 3 sec 3 sec 19 sec 3 sec
#3 3 sec 3 sec 21 sec 7 sec
#4 2 sec 2 sec 10 sec 4 sec
#5 3 sec 2 sec 12 sec 4 sec

SPBENCH5 145 Kbytes 467 #1 2 sec 3 sec 15 sec 5 sec 8+6


#2 3 sec 5 sec 53 sec 7 sec
#3 3 sec 5 sec 60 sec 17 sec
#4 2 sec 2 sec 16 sec 7 sec
#5 3 sec 2 sec 21 sec 8 sec

NOTES:

• When reviewing these results, do not compare the performance


of one job to another. Instead, compare the timings for a
SPBENCH1 SPBENCH2
particular job across the various hardware platforms.
• The load cases analyzed are defined as “x + y”, where “x” is
the number of major load cases, and “y” is the number of
algebraic combinations.
• These five jobs are available for download from the COADE
web site. The necessary URL is: http://www.coade.com/
fcaesar.htm
• Also note that the second processor of the Dual Pentium is not
utilized under NT Ver 4.x.

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COADE Mechanical Engineering News June 1999

So what are the FAQ’s or buzzwords I need to know?


Improving Support and Remote
Demonstrations with ILS – what does it stand for? And what is an ILS? In my search for
the answer to the term ILS that I have been using regularly I went to
Microsoft NetMeeting the Internet. I came across the Institute of Lightweight Structures,
By: Vornel Walker Index of Learning Styles, Interlibrary Services. Hmm!!?? So let me
tell you what ILS’s are and what they do. ILS’s (Internet Locator
Have you heard of Microsoft NetMeeting? Perhaps you have heard Server) are the servers that NetMeeting uses to connect call parties
that it is a great tool for making Internet calls without long distance – think of them as a telephone exchange or more accurately a Local
charges. Maybe you have seen it as a tool to provide audio and Area Network. You have to be logged onto the same server as those
video teleconferencing over a local and wide area networks. All the that you are calling much the same as you have to be logged onto the
above is true but the real power of NetMeeting for end-users and same LAN if you are to share and access the same files.
software developers is its role as a collaborative tool.
Also as on any network people have certain access rights. Luckily
A Collaborative tool? What’s that? with NetMeeting the person who elects to share their information
can also determine whether other participants will only view their
What we mean is a tool that allows parties to interact real time on actions or can actually operate the shared application. In NetMeeting
computer applications being run at different locations. Let us this is termed collaboration (or letting other people take control). So
investigate how this can be used: say you call up for it would be wise not to share Window’s Explorer or any other utility
CADWorx/PIPE support and feel that the program is not working that may give participants access at the file level!
as you expected or is not giving the results that feel it should. (I
know that this is an unlikely occurrence but bear with me!) What we Microsoft has a few ILS servers that you may wish to try. They are
may have asked you to do is to write a description of the problem usually very accessible and therefore very busy. They do have the
and e-mail examples of the steps that you took to reach your advantage that you can find anyone logged onto any their servers
conclusion. This could mean 30 minutes of work on the part of the via the “Microsoft Internet Directory”. The minus is that they can
user plus 3 or more attachments to an email. Good, efficient, clean also find you! The “Microsoft Internet Directory” is basically a
and precise, but also time consuming and laborious. Would it not be web-based interface that shows those currently online across all of
great if COADE could see what steps you are going through in real Microsoft’s ILS servers.
time? Would it not be a real time saver and less of a strain on your
writing skills? Tried and Tested?

This is where Microsoft NetMeeting comes in. Once you have set COADE, Inc. has used NetMeeting on several occasions for
up a meeting you can work easily with other meeting participants by demonstration and support purposes. A Houston, Texas based
sharing programs. Only one computer needs to have the shared NetMeeting call was used to demonstrate CADWorx/PIPE to a
program, and all participants can either view or work on a document potential customer in Portland, Oregon. The customer installed and
simultaneously. In addition, people can send and receive files to made ready NetMeeting prior to the demonstration and then
work on. assembled all interested members of the organization in a conference
room. The meeting lasted approximately 2 hours and it showed the
Hey you’ve got a beard! potential customer all facets of CADWorx/PIPE. The customer
was quite pleased with the demonstration. The potential customer
Have you ever wanted to know what someone looks like? No? Well now is a satisfied COADE customer. Therefore, NetMeeting allows
if you did, at any time during a call NetMeeting’s audio and video COADE to provide full on-site demonstrations even to those
will let you see and hear other people (assuming you have video customers whom in-person visits are not economically viable.
capabilities on your computer). Even if you are unable to transmit
video, you can still receive video calls in the NetMeeting video
window. With the Chat feature, you can talk with multiple people.
In addition, these Chat calls can be encrypted, ensuring that your
meetings are private. Using the Whiteboard, you can explain concepts
by diagramming information, using a sketch, or displaying graphics.
You can also copy areas of your desktop or windows application
and paste them to the Whiteboard.

10
June 1999 COADE Mechanical Engineering News

shown in the ILS directory (recommended) you can type in


their email address to identify them. NetMeeting uses the e-
mail address as a unique identifier - makes sense – which two
people do you know with the same e-mail address? This also
has the advantage of keeping the participants details private.
8. Select the application and document that you wish to be
viewed or shared. Then set sharing rights and the requests for
sharing rights for others in the call.
Each of the call participants will see the application on their
desktop with a tab in the top right hand corner saying “Shared
by XYZ”
9. You now have the option to accept or deny the requests of your
colleagues to control the shared application. Initials beside the
cursor will show those who currently have control of the
shared application.
10. That is it. You are collaborating!

On several occasions, NetMeeting has been used for software support Tips
issues. It has been used to demonstrate the correct procedure for
accomplishing a certain task within CADWorx/PIPE. All Performance (or Preserving Bandwidth)
CADWorx support personnel have NetMeeting running and ready
to use whenever it is necessary. If support cannot be administered • Pick your ILS from those recommended at http://
over the phone or if the customer cannot understand some procedure, www.netmeet.net/homenews.htm
NetMeeting is always available. • Use video only when you have to.

How do I get started? • If you do decide to use video, set your system to gray scale.
And comb your hair.
1. You have to have Windows 95/98 or NT installed.
• Use audio only when you feel it may help.
Self-explanatory.
• If you decide to use audio use a single speaker head set and
2. Find and note down the best ILS server closest to you.
microphone. (It is a pain listening to your self with a half-
To do this go to http://www.netmeet.net/homenews.htm and
second delay, and they only cost a few dollars.)
click on the [Best NetMeeting ILS Server List] at http://
www.netmeet.net/green.htm • Be deliberate in your speech.
3. Download NetMeeting 3.0+ • Use Chat whenever you can. (Chat is like instant e-mail.)
To do this Go to http://www.microsoft.com/netmeeting/ and
follow the prompts for downloading NetMeeting 3.0+ (it is • Save your Chat sessions – they are good records of what was
absolutely free) said.

4. Install and set up NetMeeting 3.0+ • Use only 256 colors.


You will be prompted for program location and NetMeeting • Do not use more than a 800x600 screen resolution.
will test your speaker volume and microphone sensitivity
• Match the same screen resolution with those you are meeting
5. Set up NetMeeting to Log on to your chosen ILS server. with.
6. Once you are setup send the person(s) that you wish to call an • Be deliberate in your cursor movements. Remember that if the
e-mail telling them to log on to the same ILS server cursor is moving more than a couple of centimeters, it is
7. Start a NetMeeting call to each of the meeting participants. probably moving a few thousand kilometers.

You can pick them from the ILS directory listing. Alternatively • Try to use a Internet Service Provider with good speed. AOL
if participants have elected not to let their information be at 5:00 in the afternoon is not going to work.

11
COADE Mechanical Engineering News June 1999

Privacy and Security • From the “Start” button, select the “Run” menu option.

• Do not log on to the “Microsoft Internet Directory” to do your • In the edit box, type in command “regedit”, without the quotes
business. Every fool and his dog will be there. That is unless • When the program comes up, click on the “+” symbol next to
you wish to converse with fools and dogs! HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
• Do not tell Bill Gates that I said so. • Next, click on the “+” symbol next to SOFTWARE
• In NetMeeting go to the Tools/Options menu and on the • Next, click on the “+” symbol next to COADE, Inc.
General tab select “Do not show my name in the directory
listing”. This will stop anybody interrupting your call and • Finally, click on the “+” symbol next to CAESAR II, PV Elite,
keep your information away from prying eyes. Only those that CODECALC, or TANK
know that you are logged on will be able to contact you. Under this registry key, you may see several folder icons. Click on
• Do not turn over your shared application to anyone that you the icon for the current version of the software you are using, to
cannot trust. make it current. Now you have to add the registry key that controls
the “on-line registration”.
• Trust no one!
Until next time, good luck and happy sharing! • From the “Edit” menu, select New,
• then pick “DWORD value”
• type in the name of the string, in this case the word
Automatic On-Line Registration “Registration”, without the quotes. Press [Enter].
By: Richard Ay
At this point, you should see the new string in the right hand pane of
The latest versions of CAESAR II, PV Elite, CODECALC, and the REGEDIT dialog box, although it doesn’t have a value yet.
TANK all provide for automatic on-line registration. The “on-line Since this new string has the focus, just press [Enter] again to open
registration” is designed to set a flag in the System Registry so that up a dialog where you can set its value. In the edit box that comes
it is only displayed once, regardless of whether you register or not. up, enter 1 and press [Enter] again.
Subsequent access to this option is via the “Help” menu. Even
though you may have registered a previous version, this is an You can now exit REGEDIT by clicking on the “X” in the upper
option, for you, to insure we have up to date phone, fax, and e-mail right hand corner of the REGEDIT window. This should take care
contact information. The software sets the Registry flag expressly of the problem. The figure below shows the registry tree for
to avoid bothering users - the prompt to register is designed to be CAESAR II Version 4.10, and the registration flag.
displayed only once.

What do we use this information for? There are two main purposes:
a) development of an e-mail data base to notify users when a new
update is available for download from the web site, and b) as a
backup for contacting users for support issues. COADE supports
many users who call or fax with support questions. Often times,
there is no return contact information on the fax, or the return fax
number is incorrect, or missing country information, or the phone
number provided is incorrect. Alternate contact information insures
we can respond in a timely fashion. It is to your advantage to
register the software and provide all requested contact data. COADE
never sells this contact information, nor uses it for any other
purpose.

If the “on-line registration” dialog continues to pop up, then for If the problem continues to occur, then try deleting the registry entry
some reason the software is not able to set the flag in the System completely, starting at the CAESAR II, PV Elite, CODECALC,
Registry, or the registry is not responding properly. (Do you have or TANK level. Delete this entire part of the tree. The software
rights to your registry?) You can do this manually as outlined will rebuild this the next time you start up (which means you will
below. Note, if you have never modified or viewed the System get the registration prompt again). You should be able to answer
Registry before, get someone who has. If you foul this up, you “NO” to the prompt, and it should write the registry entry.
could seriously cripple your machine.

12
June 1999 COADE Mechanical Engineering News

Sect E.8.4 This is a new section to cover the sliding of tanks


API-650 Differences between 9th due to earthquake.
and 10th Editions *Sect F.4.2 The equation for Pmax now divides the first term
By: Richard Ay by D3, while previous editions divided by D2.
This is assumed to be a mistake in the new code
This article discusses the changes made to API-650 between the 9th since it was not called out as a change.
and 10th editions. These changes deal solely with the computational
aspects of API-650 and how they impact the software implementation Sect G.4.1.3 This is a new section covering the local buckling
of the code in COADE products. Note, this should by no means be of aluminum dome roofs.
considered a complete list of all of the differences between these Sect S-1 This table has been broken into Table S-1a and
two editions. Table S-1b, to support SI and U.S. units.
The most noticeable change in the 10th edition is the incorporation
of dual units. The API-650 code now supports customary U.S.
units, as well as SI units. All tables are presented in both units
The “Year 2000” Issue
By: Richard Ay
systems, and all equations are provided in both U.S. and SI forms.

Additional changes made in this edition of the code are listed below Everyone is aware of the “year 2000” (Y2K) problem, which could
by section. affect many computer systems at the turn of the century. COADE is
contacted daily by current customers concerned about COADE
Sect 2.2.4 Material Fe-430 has been changed to E-275. software products and their ability to handle the “year 2000”. Since
Similarly, material Fe-510 has been changed to March of 1997, COADE products have been Y2K compliant (see
E-355. the article on this subject on the COADE web site at http://
www.coade.com/genarticles/year2000.htm).
Table 2-3 This table has been broken into Table 2-3a and
Table 2-3b, to support SI and U.S. units. Many COADE users have also performed their own testing for Y2K
Additionally, material references to Fe-430 have problems. This entails setting the computer date forward and
been changed to E-275, and Fe-510 have been running the software. Utilizing the software with several of these
changed to E-355. futuristic dates shows that indeed there are no problems. Be aware
however, that COADE software always writes the time and date of
Sect 3.6.1.1 This table now includes thicknesses down to the last software use back to the ESL (External Software Lock).
5mm. This ESL date data is checked each time the software is started. If
Table 3-2 All material names have an “M” appended to the time/date value of the computer is earlier than the value stored
them. Additionally, material A-841 has been on the ESL, the software assumes the computer has been back-
dropped from this table (but this material is still dated, and generates fatal error #5100. Further use of the software
included in Table 2-3b). is prevented when this happens. The remedy for this situation is to
generate the remote ESL fax codes and send them to COADE
Sect 3.10.2.5.3 The equation for the maximum area of a frangible (either by fax or e-mail) and request reauthorization codes to reset
joint has been modified slightly, the constant the time/date values on the ESL.
has been changed.
*Sect 3.10.5.1 The equation provided in U.S. customary units The Y2K problem can affect other software also. Just because one
for the minimum thickness of self-supporting or two applications check out doesn’t necessarily mean something
cone roofs is incorrect. This printing of the else won’t cause a problem. Microsoft has been continuously
code used the SI constant in the U.S. form of the updating the Y2K information on their web site,
equation. http://www.microsoft.com/technet/year2k/. Anyone using Microsoft
products, including the operating system should regularly check
Sect 3.10.6.1 Added a statement that the minimum thickness this site for updated information.
is exclusive of corrosion requirements.
There are updates available from Microsoft’s web site to address
Sect 3.11.4 This is a new section to cover the sliding of tanks the Y2K issue for Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT.
due to wind. You should insure your operating system is as up to date as your
application software.

13
COADE Mechanical Engineering News June 1999

consultant to this CAESAR II user implied that this iterative


Hinges, Ball-Joints, & Friction approach is difficult and error-prone. I agree. Since the resulting
in CAESAR II internal load is also a function of the joint rotation, each load case
must be individually modeled.
By: David Diehl

Introduction Back in Version 3.0 (April 1990) we added bi-linear restraints (X2,
RX2, etc.) to CAESAR II, (see Figure 2). Today these are most
Over the last few months I have fielded a series of user queries on often used to model the elastic/plastic response of soil but these
the proper modeling of flexible joint assemblies in CAESAR II. boundary conditions (defining a stiffness relationship between a
For most situations, the program’s automated expansion joint node in the system and “earth”) can also be defined between two
modeler readily addresses these issues. These specific questions, nodes in the system. The key here is the NODE/CNODE pair, (see
however, brought up advanced issues that are not covered in our Figure 3). Instead of modeling the hinge as an expansion joint,
documentation – specifically, the break-free moment to start motion “simply” define the joint as a group of six individual restraints with
in these joints and also the long-outstanding issue of (large) element CNODE’s defined. Five of the six restraints will be rigid (across
rotation or linkage nature of the element between the two hinges in the NODE/CNODE pair) and the sixth will be this bi-linear rotational
the assembly, (see Figure 1). This linkage issue is one that I have restraint. The initial stiffness (K1) will be rigid. The joint will go
often (unsuccessfully) pondered. I should also note that in two of flexible (K2=1) when the break-free load (Fy) is reached. No more
the three queries, the accuracy and manageability of CAESAR II iteration is required. If the internal moment is less than the joint
was explicitly called into question – associates of the users presenting friction, it will not rotate. If the load is big enough, the joint will
the questions believed CAESAR II cannot “do” these calculations rotate and carry the friction load.
correctly. Such talk challenged me once again to review these
issues and instigated this article. I propose that with the models
presented here – by using unique CAESAR II model components –
you cannot do it much better.

Figure 2

Figure 1

User 1 – Modeling Hinge Friction

The basic idea with hinge friction in a ball joint or similar hinge
system is that there is some moment that must be exceeded before
the hinge starts to rotate. Once rotation begins, no additional load is Figure 3
required. Correspondence provided by this user indicated a brute-
force method to satisfy this requirement. A hinged expansion joint I guess I got a little too excited a few sentences ago. What I should
is defined in the model with arbitrary hinge stiffness. The analysis have said is, if the axis of rotation is known, no iteration is required.
is run and the internal bending moment at the hinge is compared to If true, mechanical hinges exist, the bi-linear restraint axis is known.
the defined “break-free” moment. If the load in the results is higher Or, for a ball joint model, if the system is planar (e.g. all pipe
than this friction moment, the stiffness is reduced and the analysis is running in the X and Y direction) the axis of rotation is obviously
run again. If the internal load is low, the stiffness is increased. A perpendicular to that plane (here, Z). But what about a ball joint
model that exists in a three dimensional (3D) system? The axis

14
June 1999 COADE Mechanical Engineering News

about which the joint bends is not clearly defined and, since the total chose the “operating” case to set this axis and the axis is determined
break-free friction must be defined about one axis, both non-torsional by the differences in the rotations of the two ends of the ball joint.
axes cannot be used. So for 3D systems the axis about which the For example, if nodes 1 and 2 are the ends of the individual joint,
joint bends must be determined before the friction model can be then (a,b,c) is set to (rx1-rx2, ry1-ry2, rz1-rz2). Use this (a,b,c)
built. vector to define the bi-linear rotational restraint (RX2) as defined
above. Place the sixth, and final, rigid restraint definition as the
Here is the step-by-step process that resulted from the work with cross product of the (a,b,c) vector and the axis of the pipe – the
User 1: resulting vector will be perpendicular to the axis of rotation and
perpendicular to the pipe.
A few givens:
If the ball joints still rotate about the set (a,b,c) axis, there should
• No matter the source of the load, no rotation will occur in the be no load on this sixth rotational restraint in this NODE/CNODE
ball joint until the moment reaches a certain “break-free” pair and the total resultant moment should not exceed the break-
magnitude, say 4000 N-m. free load. If the total load is less than the break-free moment, then
there should be no rotation between the NODE & CNODE. If the
• Although defining pipe properties between two nodes is the total, resultant moment at the ball joint exceeds the break-free
most common means of defining the structural relationship moment, the other, non-axial, rotational restraint is (incorrectly)
between these nodes, other ways to relate nodes exist in carrying load. This indicates that the axis of rotation needs
CAESAR II. An expansion joint could be modeled between adjustment. With other nonlinear effects such as gaps on guides
the two nodes or a (relative) restraint could define this nodal and friction, I am not surprised that this would occur.
relationship by specifying a “NODE/CNODE” pair in the
CAESAR II restraint definition. Although I cannot state it would yield a more conservative result,
you may also try running the model without the other two
• CAESAR II has a bilinear, rotational restraint model – (perpendicular) rotational restraints. Instead of checking the
“RX2(a,b,c)”– that models this break-free effect about the model by examining the resultant moment, you can check the
given axis (a,b,c). Let K1 default to rigid, set K2 to 1 and set relative rotation between the NODE/CNODE pair. If the resulting
Fy to the break-free moment where the joint stiffness changes vector shifts, you may have to update your input with these new
from K1 to K2. With this definition, the two nodes will not data.
rotate in relation to each other until this Fy (or My of 4000 N-
m) is met, after which the rotation is (essentially) free. Separate analyses are required for each load combination examined
since, again, the vector about which the ball joint rotates is a
• The other 5 degrees of freedom must also be addressed in this function of these loads.
NODE/CNODE restraint definition – the three translation
terms (X, Y, Z) and the two rotational vectors perpendicular User 2 – Benchmarking the Model
to that (a,b,c) axis of rotation. We chose to set them all rigid.
One of our European dealers brought up this issue two months after
• The one problem is setting the axis (a,b,c) about which the that first break-free question came up. There was no finger pointing
node pair rotates. That’s handled below. The remaining two here. His user was going to take the iterative stiffness approach and
rotational axes are set by the axis of the pipe around the ball wanted to know if we had any better ideas. What made this query
joint and the vector perpendicular to that (a,b,c) and the pipe significant to the issue at hand was the reference to the Barco Ball
axis. Joints catalog. Barco has since sold its ball joint components to
• The vector cross product (a,b,c) and the pipe axis will define Hyspan1 . The new catalog is titled Series 6500 Hyspan Barco Ball
that third rotational axis. I find it easy to use the program Joints Catalog 1000C. Our dealer provided me with the catalog
MathCAD to perform this cross-product operation. data that sets these friction moments. In addition, this catalog
worked through an example of these load calculations. I now had
The only uncertainty in this model is in setting the axis about which my benchmark to test my approach. More importantly, the example
this ball joint rotates. We assumed that, as long as the loads didn’t went on to calculate (again, by hand) the assembly’s “mechanical
change, the ball joint would rotate about the same axis no matter motion” (transverse deflection due to rotation). Once again I was
what the break-free moment happened to be. The simplest break- reminded of this unsettled issue in CAESAR II.
free load is zero. An analysis was made with no break-free load –
a pinned joint, defined with three rigid translational restraints and
one rigid torsional restraint at each NODE/CNODE pair. The
1
vector about which each free ball joint rotates (a,b,c) will be used Contact Hyspan Precision Products at (619) 421-1355 in Chula
to set the axis about which the loaded ball joint will rotate. We Vista California for your local representative. Visit their web site
at www.hyspan.com.

15
COADE Mechanical Engineering News June 1999

Here’s the Hyspan/Barco example – addressing the break-free Table 1


moment only. This example is simpler than the User 1 question in
End Displ. (δx) Hinge Rot. (φz) Hinge Mom. (Mz) End Load (Fx) End Displ. (δy)
that it is planar; the X displacement causes the Y run piping to rotate
1 in. 1.1756 deg. 5400 ft-lbf 2700 lbf 0 in.
about the Z axis at both ball joints. The break-free moment (referred
3 in. 3.5629 deg. 5400 ft-lbf 2700 lbf 0 in.
to as Flex Torque in the catalog) for a 10-inch steam line (at 375
6 in. 7.1439 deg. 5400 ft-lbf 2700 lbf 0 in.
psi) is listed as 5400 ft-lbf.2 This value is used in defining the
relationship between the two nodes on either side of the ball joints
(20-30 and 50-60). The rotational restraint is rigid until this load is
The Hyspan/Barco example goes on to calculate the “mechanical
reached and then the joint goes plastic. Here, K1 is left blank
motion” of the assembly. This mechanical motion is the swing
(rigid), K2 is set to 1, and Fy equals 64800 (in-lbf). Figure 4 shows
effect of the link between the ball joints pulling the long pipe in the
the Hyspan/Barco example and my simplified model for this
transverse direction, (see Figure 1c). The 4-foot link will pull the
comparison. In order to isolate the hinge action, I have reduced the
line 0.375 inches off its axis for the 7-degree rotation. The last
model to eliminate the effects of elbow flexibility and deadweight.
column in Table 1 shows the calculated offset for each case. As you
The thermal growth of the 200-foot length of pipe is replaced by an
can see, CAESAR II does not show any offset at all.
equivalent 6-inch displacement of the top end of the simplified
model. For comparison, end displacements of 1 and 3 inches are
My response to User 2 was quick. I simply repackaged my answer
also analyzed.
to User 1. But I also started fooling around with the linkage model.

User 3 – Program Accuracy with Large Rotation

I was destined to write this article. Just a few weeks ago another
user asked for our response to a vendor’s statement that hinge joints
in pipe stress analysis programs make the results “unreliable.”

Here is my response:

The expansion joint manufacturer is wise in bringing your


attention to the issue of hinge joints in a pipe stress analysis
program such as CAESAR II. But it is not true to state
Figure 4 categorically that the results are not reliable – they may be
unreliable but a quick check of the results will allow you to
As you can see by the results in Table 1, no matter what displacement determine whether or not you can use the numbers.
is provided at the top end, the ball joints carry the same load of 5400 CAESAR II (like all other pipe stress programs I know of)
ft-lbf. These ball joints are installed to increase system flexibility uses a simple beam stiffness model to relate load and
and reduce (thermal) thrust loads. Here our end loads match the displacement (F = kx). This relationship is established by the
catalog example values of 2700 lbf at each end. It is left to the initial layout of the pipe – for example the end-to-end
reader to confirm that if the end displacement is replaced with a relationship of a vertical run of pipe is very stiff in the vertical
force, the joints will only rotate if the entered thrust load exceeds direction while the same end-to-end relationship of a horizontal
2700 lbf. run of pipe is (relatively) flexible in the vertical direction.
Again, this relationship is set by the initial layout. If a pipe
rotates for some reason, the stiffness matrix will not be
updated to reflect the modified relationship of the two ends.
For this reason, concepts such as “second order effects” and
“large” rotation become issues.
It is true, CAESAR II may have trouble properly analyzing
2
The catalog lists approximate values for Flex Torque. The load- linkages or systems with large rotation. A simple example is
carrying capability of the joint is a function of service, pressure, a universal tied expansion joint – the center spool will simply
sealant, and bolt-up tightness. Consult the factory for specific extend its length with no associated axial load as the two ends
values. Also, the break-free moment in torsion may be 50% higher are offset laterally. If the rotation is small, this “error” is small
than these bending values. For this article, torsion resistance is and the results are not invalid. However, if the rotation is
approximated as rigid or fully flexible. large, the results are unacceptable.

16
June 1999 COADE Mechanical Engineering News

So what is “large”? That depends on the spool length and the Rod Model is the Key
expansion joint axial stiffness. I think the absolute error in the
expansion joint load should be calculated approximately (for But this sort of iterative method is found in CAESAR II’s nonlinear
an untied expansion joint) as: restraint model. You set the conditions of the restraint, the program
runs the analysis, checks the conditions and, if these conditions are
Error = spool length (1 - cos theta) kaxial not met, the program updates the stiffness matrix (and/or load
vector) to adjust for these conditions and runs the model again.
So obviously for this configuration, the error increases with This is common for +Y restraints, restraint gaps, friction and (here
spool length and angle – small angles/small lengths may be it is!…) large-rotation rod models. A typical directional restraint
OK. defines a plane of motion. For example, a Y restraint allows motion
However, for a tied universal joint, the absolute error in the tie in the horizontal plane. A YROD model, on the other hand, allows
rod load (and therefore in the pipe) should be approximately: spherical motion about the pivot point of the rod. This nonlinear
restraint – the rod model – is what we need to associate an offset
Error = tierod length [1/(cos theta) - 1] ktierods with a deflection. If we incorporate the rod model in our “linkage”
model, CAESAR II will do this iteration for us.
This varies with the tie rod length and stiffness. For a single
8-foot long, ½” diameter tie rod (stiffness of 60,000 pounds Years ago when Dan Edgar of Pathway and Tony Paulin (the
per inch), with a one-degree angle, this comes out to 875 original author of CAESAR II) developed the CAESAR II
pounds. Is this significant? Probably not. When does it automated expansion joint modeler, we were aware of this linkage
become so? Hard to say. issue and the rod model was available but we could not build a
I have been working with a unique restraint model in complete model that answered this issue. I have tried several times
CAESAR II that may get us around this problem. It’s the rod since then to make it work with no success. And why not? The rod
model. I believe you can run a rigid rod model between two loaded up the existing spool piece. I now realize that the same
hinges to remove this unloaded strain. I might have something stiffness matrix that didn’t give the transverse displacement
to say about this in an upcoming newsletter article. developed a huge load on the spool piece when the rod model
pulled the pipe in the transverse direction, compressing the spool
The question, then, is how big are your rotations and what’s piece. What did I do differently this time? I removed the axial
the distance between the hinges? stiffness of that connecting pipe. I did this by defining an artificial
slip joint in the linkage piping. Now the only shortcoming to this
The Problem model is that the rod model eliminates any thermal growth of the
spool piece. I can live with that.
So now the problem is set. As a pipe rotates about a hinge, the other
end swings through an arc. This linkage causes the axial movement The Barco Example Revisited
of the far hinge to pull the pipe in the transverse direction, (see
Figure 1c). CAESAR II cannot simulate this pull with its stiffness The Barco catalog refers to this transverse displacement – my so-
matrix approach to piping. The stiffness model is based upon the called linkage displacement – as mechanical motion. Hand
initial piping layout. We will call this the neutral position. The calculations are straightforward. An approximation for this offset
relationship between loads and displacements is set by this neutral (D) is D = E2/2L where E is the total expansion carried by the
position stiffness. The stiffness matrix defines the X displacement assembly and L is the distance between the hinges3 . Here, with a 6-
for an X load at the end of the hinged run but it does not define the inch growth and a 4-foot spool piece, the Barco example shows a
secondary Y displacement, (see Figure 1b). It’s as if you take a mechanical motion of 0.375 inches. This deflection will be important
stiffness snapshot of the initial layout. For a very small X load, in setting the minimum distance to the first guide. The catalog
there will be a given X displacement and no measurable Y example uses a simplified form of the guided cantilever equation
displacement. The stiffness model is not updated with the new for stress. To develop this deflection in the CAESAR II model, run
position of the link. Instead the relationship remains set by the a YROD model over the top of the spool piece using the same nodes
initial configuration, and as the X load increases, the X displacement as the spool piece in the NODE/CNODE pair. Be sure to get the
increases and no Y displacement or load is developed. Only an sign right. A YROD and +YROD are identical and indicate the
iterative method would work here where the model layout is updated
to include the most recent rotation of the link. The new orientation
of the link will reset the stiffness matrix and provide for the added 3
deflection in the Y direction in the next analysis. This is something The exact equation is from the Pythagorean Theorem:
no one wants to do by hand. L2 = (L-D) 2+E2. This expands to 0 = -2LD+D2+E2. The resulting
D2, being small, is dropped to simplify the final equation for D.

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COADE Mechanical Engineering News June 1999

pivot point is above the restrained node (the CNODE is above the Closing
NODE) while a -YROD model has the pivot below the restrained
node. The spool piece is updated by adding a zero-length expansion It works. So, if you think CAESAR II is unreliable in these
joint at its midpoint. This expansion joint will have an axial situations or requires tedious iterations you may want to try this.
stiffness of 1 and all the other stiffnesses set to big numbers (1E12). Keep in mind, though, that you can run the simple model first and
Leave the Effective ID blank, (see Figure 5). Once again to use the error calculations developed for User 2 above. If the error is
unclutter the model, I simplified it eliminating the 200-foot run and unacceptable, go ahead and try this model.
replacing it with a 6-inch deflection at the end of the ball joint
assembly. Once again, I have included a 1-inch and 3-inch end The data files developed for this article are available on COADE’s
deflection as well. web site in the file Barco.zip. The contents of this file are described
in Table 3.

Table 3

Model Name Description Components


Barco Simple Barco assembly RZ2,
producing Table 1 displacements
( no YROD)
Barco Simple Force Barco assembly RZ2, forces
with applied
forces
Figure 5 Barco1 Analysis of RZ2
complete Barco
example
Barco Simple Y Barco assembly RZ2, Exp.
Table 2
producing Table 2 Joint, YROD,
(with YROD) displ.
End Hinge Rot. Hinge End End Displ. Barco2 Analysis of RZ2, Exp.
Displ. (φz) Mom. Load (δy) complete Barco Joint, YROD
(δx) (Mz) (Fx) example
1 in. 1.1756 deg. 5400 ft-lbf 2700 lbf -0.0102 in.
3 in. 3.5629 deg. 5400 ft-lbf 2700 lbf -0.0937 in.
Break-free moments for hinge or ball joints are modeled using the
6 in. 7.1439 deg. 5400 ft-lbf 2700 lbf -0.3763 in. bilinear rotational restraint. The line of action for this rotational
restraint is defined by the pin orientation in the hinge assembly. For
ball joints, where the axis of rotation is not obvious, an initial run
Except for the end displacements, the results of the updated model may be required to orient this line of action. When working with
(Table 2) are identical to the original ball joint model. The joints “large rotation”, the inaccuracies of the CAESAR II beam model
work the same. But now the transverse displacement matches the can be estimated using the equations listed here and if they are
hand calculations. significant, the model can be updated to incorporate the “arc of
travel” of the rotating element. A combination of two components
make this possible - the YROD restraint connecting the two ends of
the “link” and the slip joint element inserted in the link run. Quite a
grab bag of odd components but I’m pleased to say it works. (Old
dog / new tricks.) It works for two hinges, now how about a three-
hinge assembly?

18
June 1999 COADE Mechanical Engineering News

• Hidden Startup Items: Often times software will be


PC Hardware/Software for the automatically started when the system boots. A search of the
Engineering User [Part 27] “startup folder” does not show the presence of the application,
how does this happen? Application can also be started via the
By: Richard Ay
registry. The key is: “hkey_current_user\software
With the release of Windows 95, Microsoft abandoned the use of \microsoft\windows\current version\run\…”. Applications
the SYSTEM.INI file concept to hold and maintain system and which start at boot time will be listed here, and can be deleted
software configuration data. In lieu of the SYSTEM.INI file, the if desired.
System Registry was born. The System Registry is a hierarchical • Windows NT crashes: You can force NT to automatically
data base that maintains these same configuration settings. Users reboot after a crash by setting the value of
can view and modify the System Registry using the REGEDIT.EXE “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
application, found in c:\windows (for Windows 95 & 98) or c:\winnt CrashControl\AutoReboot” to 1. Once you’ve changed this
(for Windows NT). value, NT will reboot after writing the crash log file.

A word of caution is necessary here, it is imperative that extreme Registry maintenance is becoming more of an issue. On Windows
care be exercised when using REGEDIT. A mistake here could 95 systems, the registry is limited to 64k in size. After many
prevent the system from properly starting up! installations and de-installations of application software, the registry
can have orphan entries, just taking up space. Microsoft has
As the previous article indicated, software applications utilize the recognized this and released a maintenance program which will
registry for a wide variety of reasons. The operating system also automatically clean up the registry. This application is
uses the registry extensively. A few of the more important registry REGCLEAN.EXE, and cleans up the registry, by deleting
items you may want to modify are discussed below. unnecessary entries.

• The Icon Cache: The registry key is: Before using REGCLEAN, it would be wise to make a backup copy
“hkey_local_machine\software\microsoft\windows\current of your current registry, just in case. This backup copy of the
version\explorer\…” Click on the “explorer” entry in the left registry can be created as follows:
pane, and you will see an entry in the right pane for “Max
Cached Icons”. Increasing this value provides more system • Click on the Windows [Start] button.
memory for the maintenance and display of program icons on • Move up to the [Run] option and click it.
the desktop.
• In the edit box, type in “regedit”, without the quotes
If the system icons are corrupted, the only way to recover is to
delete the icon cache file, C:\WINNT\ShellIconCache. To do • Once REGEDIT starts, pull down the “registry” menu.
this, you must shut down all programs running on your
machine, then • Select “export registry file” from the menu.

1. Start the MS-DOS Command Prompt. • Pick a directory to store the file, and specify a file name. A
good place to store this file is c:\backup, and a good name
2. Start the Task Manager by doing CTRL ALT DEL and would be the date with a “.reg” suffix, i.e.
hitting the Task Manger Button c:\backup\apr15_99.reg.
3. Go to the Process Tab and Stop all instances Explorer.exe Now you have a backup copy of the registry, that could be
implemented using the “import registry file” option.
4. At the Command Prompt change the file’s attribute from
hidden and delete the file
5. C:\> attrib C:\WINNT\shelliconcache -h
6. C:\> del C:\WINNT\shelliconcache
7. CTRL ALT DEL and choose Shutdown and reboot your
system

19
COADE Mechanical Engineering News June 1999

8) Static Output Module: Added a number of “printer” defaults,


CAESAR II Notices for the case when a machine does not have a printer installed.
This allows viewing the output (list box

Listed below are those errors & omissions in the CAESAR II • Corrected the title presentation on the restraint summary
program that have been identified since the last newsletter. These report for pages 2 and up
corrections are available for download from our WEB site. Unless • Corrected a memory structure to prevent the loss of the
otherwise stated, all of these changes and corrections are contained two line output report title
in the 990507 build.
• Corrected the “4 view” option to work properly in the
1) AISC Structural Unity Checker: Corrected structural unity static output.
check computation for single angles.
• Corrected a problem with the (input) highlight option
2) Analysis Setup: Corrected a problem where reviewing which caused the request to occasionally fail.
spectrum data points zeroed out the data.
• Corrected a data conversion problem in the input echo
• Corrected a problem with the “spectrum load case” and routine which displayed erraneous data for pressure
“static/dynamic” input grid where entries were blanked. valves 3-9. This error was corrected in the 990617 build.
• Corrected a problem which prevented users from reusing • Corrected a redraw problem which caused graphics print
negative direction cosines. requests to snap to the center of the model. This error was
corrected in the 990617 build.
• Corrected scan of _a (input) file for units used for wind
tables when the job contained uniform loads. • Corrected an error in jobs containing only predefined
spring hangers - which caused the hanger report to be
• Removed an artificial data size limit on dynamic data. empty. This error was corrected in the 990617 build.
• Corrected the units display on several dynamic input 9) Piping Error Checker: An error was discovered in the
dialogs. This error was corrected in the 990617 build. computation of the thickness used for the effective section
3) Structural Input Processor: Corrected condition where the modulus calculation when the computed SIF value was less
plot tool bar icons where toggled backwards. than 1.0. The computation of Ts was performed before the SIF
value was reset to 1.0. This error was corrected in the 4.10
• Corrected a problem where maximizing the window did release.
not resize the structural image.
• Corrected an error in the application of pressure stiffening
• Modified several low level graphics routines for speed to B31.1 bends. If the configuration directive “Include
improvements. Pressure Stiffening” was set to “yes”, the pressure
4) Dynamic Output Module: Added a number of “printer” stiffening correction was applied twice.
defaults, for the case when a machine does not have a printer • Corrected the test for T3-T9 and P2-P9 existance to avoid
installed. This allows viewing the output on screen. the omission of temperatures and pressures from the
• Corrected a data conversion problem in the input echo available load list.
routine which displayed erraneous data for pressure • Corrected abort routine to avoid access violation on exit.
values 3-9. This error was corrected in the 990617 build.
• Corrected an error which copied force vector 7 into force
5) Intergraph Interface: Corrected the translation of bend vectors 8 and 9. This error was corrected in the 990617
elements at the end of the element list. build.
6) Miscellaneous Analysis Module: Corrected a memory 10) Piping Input Module: Corrected the “bend” check box to
initialization problem, which crashed the help system. avoid crash/lockup when plotting with the spreadsheet
• Corrected acquisition of load case name from static displayed, or viewing the extended operating cases.
output file. • Corrected the display (activation) of the “R1/R2” fields
• Corrected a problem where the #3 key on the numeric pad for tees when using the TD/12 piping code.
could not be used in some instances. • Corrected the “tab” order of the edit boxes on the spring
7) Static Stress Computation Module: Corrected a memory hanger auxiliary dialog.
allocation error for the BS-7159 allowable arrays.

20
June 1999 COADE Mechanical Engineering News

• Corrected the input echo to include P1 and P2 as well as


uniform loads specified in g’s.
TANK Notices
• Corrected the “paste” operation in the restraint LIST.
• Corrected a problem in the “bend” LIST which prevented Listed below are those errors & omissions in the TANK program
the modification of existing data. that have been identified since the last newsletter. These corrections
are available for download from our WEB site.
• Corrected a problem on the “special execution options”
dialog where changing data modified the setting of the 1) TANK.EXE - This is the Main Menu and Input Module. A
band width optimizer. number of corrections have been made to this module, as
listed below. All of these corrections were posted to the web
• Corrected the fly-out tool tip help text for fluid and site in the 990413 build.
insulation densities, which were reversed.
• Corrected the transfer of shell course height and overall
• Corrected the setup of the “Include Piping Files” dialog tank height from the sizing scratch-pad to the general data
to work with data strings from older jobs that did not dialog.
include a space between data items.
• Corrected the version number when printing the input
• Corrected the FileOpen dialog to allow typing in a new echo.
job name without the “._a” suffix.
• Corrected the printing of the sizing scratchpad results.
• Corrected a problem specifying spring hanger tables,
which limited the selection to the basic tables. Alternate • Corrected the directory name for Adobe Acrobat Reader
design options were prevented by the LIST processor. installation.
This error was corrected in the 990617 build.
• Corrected the name on “seismic input tab #2” from “On-
11) Equipment Module: Corrected acquisition of load case Line Registration” to “Anchor Bolt Data”.
name from static output file.
• Corrected several “menu status bar text” items.
• Corrected initial screen size so the “Get_Loads” button
can be seen without resizing. • Corrected the acquisition of stainless steel allowables
from the material data base for new jobs.
• The NEMA-SM23 routine switched the inlet/exhaust
offset distances each time the data was saved (which • Corrected access to the solution message (TXT) file from
occurs with each analysis). the menu.

• Corrected the coordinate transformation (to local


coordinates) of the inlet MX value for NEMA-SN23. CODECALC Notices
This error was corrected in the 990617 build.
12) WRC-107 Module: Corrected a data initialization problem
in the stress summation routine. This was only a problem if the Listed below are those errors & omissions in the CODECALC
input data was revised and rerun in the same session. program that have been identified since the last newsletter. These
corrections are available for download from our WEB site.
• Corrected acquisition of load case name from static
output file. 1) Input Processor: The component analysis module was not
• Corrected initial screen size so the “Get_Loads” button storing the material occurrence number and now does so.
can be seen without resizing. 2) Nozzle Analysis: The ANSI B16.5 pressure/temperature
• On Windows 95/98 machines, a memory limitation ratings were in accordance with the previous version of B16.5
prevented the complete report (stress summation) from and were updated.
being displayed in the on-screen list box. 3) ThinJoint Module: The program computed the cycle of the
13) Dynamic Stress Computation Module: Corrected an error expansion joint when it may not have been limited by cycle
accessing the “cyclic reduction factors” for temperature cases life.
4-9 when determining dynamic allowable stresses. This error 4) Leg Analysis Module: The program produced a conservative
was corrected in the 990617 build. AISC unity check on angle legs in some cases.

21
COADE Mechanical Engineering News June 1999

5) Materials: The TEMA numbers for some SB-171 were


revised.
6) Floating Head Input: An error involving the computation of
the distance from the flange centroid to the head centerline
when the distance from flange top to flange/head centerline
was corrected.
7) General Analysis: The program attempted to write to unit 0
and would abort with a run time error.

PV Elite Notices

Listed below are those errors & omissions in the PV Elite program
that have been identified since the last newsletter. These corrections
are available for download from our WEB site.

1) The notices mentioned above (for CODECALC) also existed


in the component analysis module.
2) For vessels with spherical heads and stiffeners, the "L"
dimension did not include 1/3 of the head depth for that end
section.
3) The allowable for discontinuity stresses did not include the
circumferential joint efficiency. This occurred in the conical
calculations.
4) The program was producing conservative results when forces
were entered in above the element centroid.

22
June 1999 COADE Mechanical Engineering News

Download this free units conversion utility from the COADE web site.

23
COADE Engineering Software
12777 Jones Rd. Suite 480 Tel: 281-890-4566 Fax: 281-890-3301 BBS: 281-890-7286
Houston, Texas 77070 WEB: www.coade.com E-Mail: query@coade.com CompuServe: 73073,362

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