Hello DSB123,
Yes, your opinion is also that of the majority of voting B31.1 Committee Members. It is interesting to note that whereas many of us would like to see some cyclic pressure fatigue test results, that was not (contrary to what I may have implied) the issue when the B31.1 and B1.3 "book" Committees adopted rules to include the SIF's to the calculation of stresses due to sustained pressure and weight. This from B31.1 is typical:
B31.1 Interpretation 1-27, February 23, 1981 (I still had hair then!!!)
Subject: Appendix D on Stress Intensification Factors
Inquiry: Is it the intent that the stress intensification factors shown in Appendix D of each respective Code be applied for sustained and occasional loads as well as for expansion loads?
Reply: Stress intensification factors (SIF's) listed in Appendix D of the various ASME B31 Code Sections are intended for design against fatigue failure and are to a large extent developed from cyclic bending tests of piping components. Therefore, the application of the SIF for cyclic bending and torsion loads is appropriate. Sustained and occasional loads may not be cyclic; however, it is the intent of the various Codes to provide adequate protection from component collapse. It has been shown that the SIF of 0.75i (but not less than one) found in ANSI/ASME B31.1 applied to sustained and occasional bending and torsional loads provides a conservative margin against component collapse.
What I read in Nozzle Twister's response is that he understands the intent of the various B31 Code Committees. The SIF shall be applied to the branch connection - 0.75 times the SIF (but not less than a product of 1.0 as a moment multiplier) for calculation of stresses due to sustained and occasional loadings, and the full 1.0 times the SIF for calculation of stresses due to displacement (e.g., thermal expansion-contraction) loadings. I think Nozzle Twiser was just commenting on how C2 handles the situation - C2 will always apply the full 1.0 times the SIF in the stress calculations for the displacement stress.
I was concerned because the original question seemed to ask if the rules for applying SIF's would be different for cryogenic systems. And, of course, the answer to that is "no". So, anyway, I think that we all three are in agreement with what the Codes have prescribed (albeit, I "muddied the waters" with my aside regarding cyclic pressure). Other areas (not SIF's) of the B31.3 Code were written to address cryogenic applications. Of course, it really point out how important it is to read all the rules - design (including material selection), fabrication, erection and testing - to get the "big picture" on the Code's requirements.
Well, methinks our colleague Essex57, got a comprehensive answer. Since this is a C2 discussion, he now understands how C2 will handle the displacement stress calculations, and he has been "warned off" not applying the correct SIF to the calculation of the sustained P + W stresses. More to the point I think we have provided the motivation to "do the right thing" buy replaying the "background" for our friend.
Interestingly, a companion inquiry (1-28, March 23, 1981) to the one cited above, asked if the Code intended to not include longitudinal stresses caused by effects other than pressure in the assessment of sustained and occasional loadings and the answer (interpretation) was "no". The Committee intended that ALL longitudinal forces and bending moments be included in this assessment. This is good to remember when looking at the new and "interesting" Code Case from B31.3 that gives us an explicit equation for calculating these stresses. The Committee followed that answer with their typical expression of frustration: "The ANSI/ASME B31.1 Code is not a design handbook that can be used without competent engineering judgement with regard to the design analysis of a piping system" to which I (finally) say "Amen"
Thanks DSB123 for your thoughtful participation. I hope we all stimulated some thought processes in our "community".
Regards, John.