Limit Load Solutions of Pipe Bends with Various Bend Angles Under Internal Pressure and In-Plane Bending

Key Points

• The aim is to develop limit load prediction formulas for pipe bends with varying bending angles and thickness under internal pressure and in-plane bending.
• Utilized finite element analysis with RIKS option to calculate limit loads for various bend angles and thicknesses.
• Evaluated limits for different geometrical conditions, including up to 180-degree bends and various curvature radii.
• The proposed prediction formulas showed improved accuracy compared to existing methods, including ASME BPVC limit load calculations.
• Limit load predictions were validated across various bending angles and pipe thicknesses, demonstrating enhanced structural integrity assessments.