Applying loads on horizontal pipe

[kee0419]

Hello,

I'm new to FEA and need help applying loads in horizontal pipe. How do I apply vertical, lateral, and axial loads on a 30 feet long pipe. I have model the pipe and need to know if I need to select outer surface, inner surface, and or a faces of the pipe and apply a load?

 

[corus]

Well, how are the loads applied in real life?

corus

 

[kee0419]

corus,

The problem at hand is to find the maximum stress of the pipe shoe (see attached picture). Manufacturer of the pipe shoe has specified vertical, axial, and lateral load that pipe shoe is deigned for and I'm trying to verify these loads. In real life, I guess pipe is filled with water and are subjected to loads and movements when the water travels through the pipe, due to water temperature, pressure, thermal expansion of the pipe, etc. If I model the pipe in 2D, I can probably apply the loads at the center of the pipe but for 3D model, I'm not sure.

 

[corus]

Usually pipes are subject to loads from differential expansion of surrounding equipment or other external forces. Generally pipes are treated as beams in most calculations, so as in a beam I'd apply the loads at the centre of the pipe, or the equivalent. That would mean applying the loads uniformaly over the end face. Otherwise you'd introuduce additional bending or torque on to the end of the pipe due to the offset distance from the pipe centre.

corus

 

[kee0419]

corus,

Thank you for your suggestion. So I put loads on BOTH ends of the pipe? The pipe is modeled as 34 feet long.

 

[corus]

If the pipe is 34 foot long then I'd model it as a beam and apply restraints where ever appropriate. You'll need restraints to react against the forces you apply. At the supports you might just restrain it in one direction, as a simple support. If you're looking to see what the stresses are at the support in detail then you'd just model around that area, but making sure your forces gave you the right moments at the support.

corus