Simplified nonlinear dynamic piping analysis methodology development

Piping systems are viewed by the Code * ( ASME, 1986 ) as a series of components and not as an overall structural system. This Code viewpoint does not address the load redistributions and structural redundancy existing in piping systems that prevent system collapse even when one or more individual components are loaded beyond their collapse levels. At the same time, the Code treats static and dynamic loads identically. This fails to take into account the significant reduction in component loads resulting from plastic energy absorption and increased elastic strength resulting from dynamic material properties. Ignoring the plastic behavior in design analyses may lead to incorrectly predicted support loads, strain concentration, and displacements. A simplified evaluation process that more directly addresses the nonlinear behavior is needed—one that is based on plastic system behavior and accounts for plastic energy absorption.