NozzlePRO PDF

Paulin Research Group
NozzlePRO
Program Manual
Paulin Research Group

11211 Richmond Avenue, Suite 109
Houston, Texas 77082
Tel: 281-920-9775 Fax: 281-920-9375
Email:
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 About Nozzle Pro

Section 1 Version Features
Section 2 When to use NozzlePRO
Section 3 Sample Problems
Section 4 Sample Problem Details
Section 5 How to Get Help
Chapter 2 Using NozzlePRO

Section 1 Getting Started
Section 2 Stress Types
Section 3 Options Data Form
Section 4 Using the 3D Viewer
Section 5 How NozzlePRO Starts the DirectX Viewer
Section 6 - Errors Aborted Runs and DirectX Troubleshooting
Section 7 FE/PIPE, NozzlePRO, PVElite, and CodeCalc
Chapter 3 Interpreting and Using the Results

Section 1 Output Review for 3D Shell Models
Section 2 Stresses and Allowables
Section 3 Pressure Design Using 3D Shell Elements
Section 4 Stress Intensification Factors and Flexibilities
Section 5 Allowable Loads
Section 6 Discussion of Results (Recommended Ways to Use the Output)
Chapter 4 Saddle Supports and Pipe Shoes

Section 1 When to Use NozzlePRO Saddle / Pipe Shoes
Section 2 Saddle and Pipe Shoe Input Screens and Saddle Wizard
Section 3 Applications of the Saddle / Shoe Modeler
Section 4 Interpreting the Results
Section 5 Integral vs. Non-Integral Wear Plates
Section 6 Other Topics
Chapter 5 Advanced Models

Section 1 Nozzle\PRO FFS
Section 2 Piping Input Screens
Section 3 Axisymmetric 2D and Brick Models
Section 4 Skewed Structural Supports in NozzlePRO
Chapter 6 Special Topics

Section 1 WRC Comparisons
Section 2 Engineering Considerations
Section 3 Finite Element Philosophies, Element Types, Etc.
NozzlePRO www.paulin.com
Chapter 1 Section 1
1- Axisymmetric Horizontal Vessel Modeling with Saddles
2- Axial Load Evaluation for Horizontal Vessels
3- Gravity Multipliers for X, Y, & Z Directions for Modeling Vessel Loads
4- Solution Data Report
a. Stiffness matrix information including maximum row size, largest stiffness coefficients, and
stiffness coefficient distribution.
b. Total number of nodes, elements, and solution cases
c. Summation of loads at boundary conditions for each load case. Allows for verification of weight
and loads applied to model and helps check for unbalanced loads.
5- Pipe Shoe Modeler
6- Integral & Non-Integral Wear Plates for Saddles and Pipe Shoes
7- Tapered Saddles and Pipe Shoes
8- SYMFIX Boundary Conditions for Midspan Ovalizing in Horizontal Vessels
9- Upgraded DirectX 3D Dynamic Displacement and Static Model Viewer
10- Nozzles through Blind Flanges in Axisymmetric and Brick Models
11- Double Bed Support Axisymmetric and Brick Models
12- Axisymetric 2d and Brick Axisymetric Models
13- Steady State and Transient Heat Transfer for Axisymetric 2d Elements
14- Blind or Matching Flange End Conditions for Axisymetric 2d or Brick Models
15- Radiusd Welds in Axisymetric 2d and Brick Models
16- Overturning Moments on Skirts (Brick Models)
17- DirectX 3d Dynamic Displacements
18- Internal Ring Loads in Axisymetric 2d or Brick Models
19- Help Buttons Throughout

20- Discontinuity Stress Reporting
21- Integral and non-Integral Repads for Axisymetric 2d or Brick Models
22- Head Thickness Contours for Bricks and Axisymetric 2d models
23- Support for DirectX 3d Rendering Updates
a. Three-Dimensional views of the geometry, stress or displacement state can be rotated, panned,
zoomed or clipped in real time and sent to clients for viewing on their own computer. (See Files
discussion below.)
b. Translucent or hidden-line wireframe views may be manipulated.
c. An interactive thermometer may be used to view the exact stress at any point in the model.
d. Rubber-band, Viewport, or polyline clipping.
e. Cut to Clipboard
f. High Stress Call Outs
g. Model Cutaway by Value or By Percentage
24- Structural Attachments
a. Ten different structural attachment cross sections can be loaded on head, cone or cylindrical
geometries.
b. Attachments may be with or without a pad.
c. Moment loads are applied automatically over the structural end section.
25- Unstructured Meshing Options for Heads & Structural Attachments
a. Difficult-to-mesh structured geometries are often easily meshed using unstructured methods.
Unstructured meshing is available for head or structural attachment models.
Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.1.1

26- Elemental Smoothing

a. Elemental smoothing produces more uniform element grids and perfect geometric shapes not
dependant on cubic approximations.
27- Cylinder Boundary Condition Control
a. Users may free either the top or bottom of the cylinder and observe the effect on the stress
distribution in the geometry.
28- Added Control of Weld Sizes
a. The user may specify the weld length along either the branch or header (parent) and may also
specify the weld size at the edge of any reinforcing pad.
29- Access to FE/Pipe Input Data Screens
a. The user may access the FE/Pipe input data screens to provide any additional model, mesh or
loading control that is needed.
30- Control of Element Stress Averaging
a. The user may deactivate stress averaging if desired.
31- Saddle Wizard
a. A step-by-step interactive modeler that allows the user to easily design horizontal vessel for any
loading conditions. The Saddle Wizard now allows for full horizontal vessel models with one
saddle fixed and the other saddle sliding. Earthquake or ship motion acceleration loads, pressure,
temperature, and more can be applied to the model.
32- New File Handling
33- Dynamic Units Switching

a. When switching between English and SI units, the input values are now converted from one
system to the next units system.
34- Load Translation Calculator

a. Nozzle/PRO users no longer need to have their loads given at the end of the nozzle. Loads can
now be specified at the centerline of the header, header/branch intersection, or the end of the
branch.
35- Pull Down Menus and User Navigation
36- Improved Brick Meshes of Nozzles in Heads
37- Example Models Using NozzlePRO
3d Viewer Screen Structural Attachment Options Unstructured Mesh

Top Head Blind & Pad Bottom Head Skirt Brick Flanges & Skirt Top Head Load Flanges
Pipe Shoe Triple-Plate Support Head Structural Support
Size-on-Size Pad Hillside Nozzle Pad Reinforced Nozzle Reinforced Lateral in Cone

Saddle Options Pipe Shoe Options Horizontal Vessel with Saddle Support

Chapter 1 Section 2
When to Use NozzlePRO
Typical occasions when a finite element analysis of a NozzlePRO geometry is beneficial are listed below:
1) When the d/D ratio for a loaded nozzle is greater than 0.5 and WRC 107/297 is considered for use.
2) When the t/T ratio for a loaded nozzle is less than 1.0 and WRC 107/297 is considered for use.
3) When the nozzle is pad reinforced and WRC 107/297 is considered for use.
4) When the number of full range pressure cycles is greater than 7000 cycles and the nozzle is subject to external
loads.
5) When the D/T ratio is greater than 100 and SIFs or flexibilities are needed for a pipe stress program.
6) When the D/T ratio is greater than 100 and a dynamic analysis including the nozzle is to be performed using a
piping program.
7) When a large lug is used in a heavily cyclic service.
8) When pad-reinforced lugs, clips, or other supports are placed on the knuckle radius of a dished head. WRC
107 simplifications for pad reinforced rectangular lug attachments are fraught with potentially gross errors.
9) When seismic horizontal loads on vessel clips or box supports are to be evaluated.
10) Pad reinforced hillside nozzles subject to pressure and external loads.
11) Large run moments, but small branch moments in a piping system.
12) Overturning Moments on Skirts
13) Effect of Integral vs. Non-Integral Pad on Nozzle in Head Should be Studied
14) Different thermal expansion coefficients or temperatures between the header and branch.
15) Where loads on nozzles are high because of the assumption that the nozzle connection at the vessel is a rigid
anchor. Few connections at vessels are rigid. Often only small rotations can significantly reduce the calculated
moment and stress. Accurate flexibilities permit the actual moment on the vessel nozzle to be calculated and
designed for.
16) Heat Transfer in An Axisymetric Model Geometry
17) When the effect of adding a radius to weld geometries on nozzles in heads should be investigated.
18) To verify FEA calculations. NozzlePRO4 allows nozzles in heads to be analyzed with shell, axisymetric, or
brick finite elements. The analyst can run each model type and compare results to determine the stability and
accuracy of the solution.
19) For saddle supported horizontal vessels with or without wear plates including tapered saddles with many
design options.
20) To evaluate effects of axial or transverse loads due to internal sloshing, wind loads, seismic loads, or general
external loads. Zicks methods do not consider axial or transverse loads.
21) Design of Pipe Shoes for self-weight, liquid weight, and external loads.
Criticality of the application is a major consideration when deciding whether or not to run a finite element
calculation. Hot hydrocarbon products are clearly more dangerous than ambient temperature water
processes and should be approached with increased caution. Systems that do not cycle are less prone to
failure than systems that cycle daily. Extreme design conditions can also make using less conservative, more
accurate approaches practical. Large d/D, D/T intersections are difficult to analyze properly for a
combination of pressure and external loads, and FEA results tend to give more consistent results over a
broader range of problem parameters. Allowable loads on vessel nozzles give the piping engineer guidance
when evaluating thermal loads on anchors. Higher earthquake load requirements can make conservative
design assumptions costly. Caution should be excercised when low pressure-high temperature systems are
evaluated as these lines tend to have high loads and large d/t ratios.
It is absurd to use FEA on every system, and it is absurd not to use it at all.

Chapter 1 Section 3
Sample Problems
Several examples illustrate. (Details for each example are included in a separate chapter at the end.)
Example Problem Description Difference with FEA

Cylindrical Junction (WRC 107) FEA Stress 270% Higher than WRC 107
NonLoaded Small Branch Takeoff FEA Stress 500% Lower than B31.3
Nozzle Loads Due To FEA Flexibilities FEA Loads 630% Lower than Rigid Analysis
SIFs for Nozzles in Heads FEA Stress 7.7 Times Higher than Piping Program Default
Straight vs. Lateral Lateral 1.34 Times Stronger Than Straight Nozzle InPlane
Lateral 1.7 Times Stronger Than Straight Nozzle Outplane
Lateral 2.2 Times Weaker Than Straight Nozzle for Pressure
Small d/D WRC 107 Comparison FEA different from WRC 107 by 3.7%
Pad Reinforced Attachment FEA Stress 1.8-to-10.0 Times Higher than WRC 107
Process Feed Line: A process feed line to a vessel cycles about every 6 hours. In 20 years this is 29,200
cycles. The number of design cycles is greater than 7000, so the safety factor against failure is as low as it can get,
(about 2.0 ref: Nureg/CR-3243 ORNL/Sub/82-22252/1). The engineer decided that a good stress calculation was
important since the number of cycles was high. The d/D ratio was only 0.27, but the geometry was pad reinforced.
WRC calculations were not intended for pad reinforced geometries, and this is reflected in the results when the
FEA calculation is compared against WRC 107.
WRC 107 Stress at Junction: 21,490.psi.

WRC 107 Stress at Pad Edge: 18,214.psi.
FEA Maximum Stress (PL+PB+Q out) with 1.75x mesh 65,887 psi. (307% of WRC 107)
Gas Riser: The 400F 18 riser was only subject to 10 psig of internal pressure. Thermal moments produced less
than 10,000 psi of stress in the pipe except at an 8 takeoff that was valved and capped. The stress at this unloaded
branch connection showed to be in excess of 55,000 psi. A finite element calculation of loads through the header
showed that the actual stress was less than 9,000 psi. The line was not even close to being overstressed, there was
no reason for redesign or rerouting of the pipe.
B31 Piping Code: Se = (io)(Mo)/Z = (6.1)(1.1E6)/(120.3) = 55,777 psi

Nozzle/PRO: Se = (io)(Mo)/Z = (1.0)(1.1E6)/(120.3) = 9,143 psi
So the actual stress is 1/ 5th B31 Value
Nozzle Loads: Using rigid anchor assumptions, the conservatively estimated loads on the vessel nozzle were in
excess of 344,844 ft. lb. When flexibilities were inserted at the nozzle, the moments due to the piping loads
dropped to 53,981 ft.lb., a reduction of 153 times.
Allowable Loads and Pressure MAWP: The process engineer wanted to slope the process vent lines into
the header to improve flow and reduce the potential backpressure buildup in the header. He didnt want to create a
much weaker junction, however by using a connection at 45 degrees. He wanted to know which of the
connections was stronger for bending moments the straight 90 degree intersection, the 45 lateral, or the hillside
connection. The vent header was 24 x 0.375 wall, and the vent outlet was 16 x 0.375 wall. The results from
NozzlePRO are shown below and confirm what is generally known about these intersections. The larger footprint
of the lateral improves the moment carrying capacity, but cuts a larger hole in the header in the longitudinal
direction increasing the hoop stress effect. The hillside in this d/D ratio performs essentially as well as the straight
through intersection.

Straight Lateral (45) Hillside B31.3

Through
InPlane Max Allowed Moment 583,179 in.lb. 786,243 in.lb. 451,108 in.lb. 495,658 in.lb.1
Outplane Max Allowed Moment 171,867 in.lb. 304,402 in.lb. 191,997 in.lb. 385,698 in.lb.
Maximum Allowed Pressure 348 psi 160 psi 326 psi n/a
Good Comparisons with WRC 107: The engineers were concerned that some of the results from the FEA
calculation were different from WRC 107 programs. When calculations are run that keep the limits of the WRC
107 approach in mind, the comparisons are much better. Leaving out pressure effects, (which are not included in
WRC 107), using a small d/D, only a single moment loading, and a t/T ratio greater than 1.0, the comparisons
between FEA and WRC 107 are much better:
Stress (psi)
WRC 107 126,677
FEA tn=0.5 150,765
FEA tn=0.9 144,522
FEA tn=1.5 131,579
Rectangular Attachments (WRC 107): As might be expected, WRC 107 for a rectangular attachment that
has essentially the same dimensions in the longitudinal direction as the 8 pipe above produces essentially the
same stress. The FEA model shows higher stresses around the corners of the geometry where the stress is
concentrated. The FEA model also shows the beneficial effect of pads and the gross errors that can occur when
WRC 107 is used for pad type attachment geometries.
WRC 107 Line Load(3) FEA

Lug Pad Lug Pad Lug Pad
(1) (2) (1) (2) (1) (2)
Edge Edge Edge Edge Edge Edge
6x8 Rectangle No Pad 141,818 n/a 111,139 n/a 129,813 n/a
6x8 Rectangle 1 Wide Pad 43,215 90,929 39,462 67,989 71,197 70,604
6x8 Tri Plate Supt. 6 Wide Pad 43,215 22,619 158,145 15,619 42,311 24,358
6x8 Inverted Tee 6 Wide Pad 43,215 22,619 299,006 15,619 75,275 24,631
Notes:
(1) Simulated by increasing vessel thickness.
(2) Simulated by increasing Load Bearing Area.
(3) Ref: H. Bednar, Pressure Vessel Design Handbook, Van Nostrand, New York, 1981.
Box (no Pad) (129,813) Box (1 Pad) (71,197) Box (4 Pad) (46,775)

Box (6 Pad) (41,299) Triple-Plate (42,311) Inverted Tee(75,275)
Example 6 Using FE/Pipe and Nozzle/PRO SIFs in Pipe Stress Programs:
ASME B31 SIFs published in 1955 were determined experimentally using tees having the same branch diameter
and thickness as the header diameter and thickness (d/D = 1 and t/T = 1). The ASME later (1965) introduced a
correction factor for branch stresses when d/D < 1. The original SIF equations are still used by the codes:
io = (0.9)[(tH)/(RmH)]2/3. > 1.0

ii = (0.675) [(tH)/(RmH)]2/3 + (0.25) > 1.0
FE/Pipe and Nozzle/PRO Stress intensification factors use the WRC 329 definition of if, or ifailure: These SIFs
are based on the actual nozzle section modulus and do not require adjustment for branch connections smaller than
the header.

Chapter 1 Section 4
Sample Problem Details
Example 1 - Process Feed Line (Pad Reinforced Nozzle)

A process line to a vessel cycles about every 6 hours. In 20 years this is 29,200 cycles. The number of design
cycles is greater than 7000, so the safety factor against failure is as low as it can get (about 2.0 ref: Nureg/CR-
3243 ORNL/Sub/82-22252/1). The engineer decided that a good stress calculation was important since the number
of cycles was high. The d/D ratio was only 0.27, but the geometry was pad reinforced. WRC calculations were not
intended for pad reinforced geometries, and this is reflected in the results when the FEA calculation is compared
against WRC 107.
Geometry
Vessel: 72 ID x 0.625 wall (73.25 OD)
Nozzle: 20OD x 0.5 with a 5 wide pad 0.625 thick
Loads
Local MX = 3E6 in lb, Local MY = 2.79E5 in lb, Local MZ = 6E5 in lb
Model Geometry and coordinates are illustrated below. The blue axes show the Global coordinates (of
the overall model), and the black coordinates show the Local Load coordinates (for the nozzle).
Building the Nozzle/PRO Model (Build and analyze in 6 steps)

Step 1 of 6 Start Nozzle/PRO by double-clicking the desktop Short/Cut
Double clicking this icon should bring up the program screen below. If this screen does not appear or if the
options are different than displayed, send an Email to support@paulin.com with a description of the problem.

Step 2 of 6 Select Input Units (English or SI)

For this example select English units

Step 3 of 6 Select a Base Shell Type and input Vessel Dimensions

For this example select Cylinder and input the vessel OD and wall thickness
Note these inputs are described in

the images below
Step 4 of 6 Select a Nozzle/Attachment Type and input the dimensions

For this example select Pad and input the Nozzle and Pad dimensions.

the images below

Step 5 o f 6 Input Loads

Click the Loads button and the following screen should appear.
Input the loads and use locally defined loads (convert to ft lb )
(Using local coordinates without direct shear loads permits the user to
Local
ignore nozzle length) coordinates
Step 6 of 6 Run and Review Results

This example only compares the calculated stresses of two methods. Since the objective does not
include comparing stress to an allowable stress value, the allowable stress input is not used.
Click Run FE. Once the analysis is complete, Nozzle/PRO will display a message indicating the
run has finished. Click OK.
The Nozzle/PRO screen should appear as shown below.
Output windows are described in detail in Chapter 3 Section 1, with additional instructions on how
to use the 3d graphics window in Chapter 2 Section 3. For this example review plot 2) PL+PB+Q <
3Smavg (OPE outside) Case 1

Discussion of Results
The finite element model and results plots are shown below:
WRC 107 Stress at Junction: 21,490.psi.

WRC 107 Stress at Pad Edge: 18,214.psi.
FEA is 3.2 times higher than WRC 107

This is a typical problem when WRC 107 is used for a geometry it was not originally intended to address.
Before the repad was added to the geometry, the t/T ratio was 0.5/0.625=0.8 < 1.0, and the high stress was in the
vessel and WRC 107 would do a reasonable job of estimating the stress for this d/D ratio. With a 0.625 repad,
the t/T ratio becomes: 0.625 / (0.5+0.625) = 0.555, and the high stresses move into the nozzle. Since WRC 107
does not calculate the stress in the nozzle, this high stress was completely missed. Over the years WRC 107 has
been used for pad reinforced geometries since no other tools were available. Two analyses are typically made for
pad reinforced nozzle geometries. One is for the edge of the repad. The nozzle OD is increased to equal the pad
OD and the WRC 107 analysis run with the larger nozzle. For WRC 107 cylinder-to-cylinder intersections the
thickness of the nozzle does not enter into the calculation. The second calculation is made with the actual nozzle

OD and the increased local thickness of the vessel and pad. Parameter studies are under way to determine when
this approach will produce the worst results, but large errors have been witnessed for certain geometries. This is
not the fault of the WRC 107 bulletin. The bulletin has simply been extended beyond its intended range of
usefulness by programmers needing to find solutions for problems in all parameter ranges.
Example 2 - Gas Riser

The 400F 18 riser only saw 10 psig of internal pressure. Thermal moments produced less than 10,000 psi of stress
in the pipe except at an 8 takeoff that was valved and capped. The stress at this unloaded branch connection
showed to be in excess of 55,000 psi. A finite element calculation of loads through the header showed that the
actual stress was closer to 9,000 psi. The line was not even close to being overstressed. There is no reason for
redesign or rerouting of the pipe.
Geometry
Riser Pipe: 18 OD x 0.5 wall
Branch Pipe: 8.625 x 0.5 wall
Loads
Pressure: 10 psig
Thermal Expansion (outplane) Moment: Mo = 1.1E6 in lb. (450F Furnace Gas)
Determine the Header SIF for the Overhead Line in 6 Steps



In this example select Cylinder and input the vessel OD and wall thickness

the images below


In this example select Straight and input the Nozzle dimensions.

the images below
Step 5 of 6 Change the OPTIONS screen to calculate header or header SIFs

This will set the basis of the calculation to be loads through the header rather than the branch.
Click OK when finished to close the Options window.


This example only computes stress intensification factors. Since the objective does not include
comparing stress to an allowable stress value, the allowable stress input is not used.
run has finished. Click OK.
The Nozzle/PRO screen should appear as shown below.
Output windows are described in detail in Chapter 3 Section 1, with additional instructions on how
to use the 3d graphics window in Chapter 2 Section 3. For this example review plot 2) PL+PB+Q <
3Smavg (OPE outside) Case 1
A portion of the stress intensification factor report is shown below. The values to be used in a pipe stress analysis
are the peak stress intensification factors. The primary and secondary SIFs should be ignored for B31
applications, (there is no place is in the B31 Codes to use them.). Any SIFs calculated that are less than one should
be increased to one before they are used. (See the torsional SIF below.) It is not unusual that a component is
stronger than a girth weld in the attached pipe. (This is what the SIF is based on.) FEA results echo this result. If
the component is big and thick, compared to the attached pipe, then the SIF could easily be less than 1.0. SIFs
less than 1.0 should never be used in a pipe stress analysis however. Always increase the value to 1.0 before using
it.
Stress Intensification Factors
Branch/Nozzle Sif Summary
Peak Primary Secondary

Axial : 1.991 2.004 2.949
Inplane : 1.846 1.801 2.735
Outplane: 0.503 0.974 1.007
Torsion : 3.146 4.539 4.660
Pressure: 0.000 0.000 0.000

Compare with B31 Piping Code Stress Calculation

Expansion Stress is calculated using the following equation
Se = (io)(Mo)/Z
r2 = (0.5)(18 0.5) = 8.75

Z = ()(r22)(T) = ()(8.752)(0.5) = 120.3
io = 0.9/(T/r2)(2/3) = (0.9)/(0.5/8.75)(2/3) = 6.066 ~ 6.1
B31 Piping Code: Se = (io)(Mo)/Z = (6.1)(1.1E6)/(120.3) = 55,777 psi

Nozzle/PRO: Se = (io)(Mo)/Z = (1.0)(1.1E6)/(120.3) = 9,143 psi
So the actual stress is 1/ 5th B31 Value
Discussion
This problem is discussed in E.C. Rodabaughs WRC Bulletin 329. The results from the pipe stress analysis are
shown below along with the FE/Pipe finite element result (Nozzle/PRO can not apply loads to the header).
The displaced shape of the piping model shows that the intersection is subject to outplane bending moments
through the header (in fact the branch only supports the weight of the valve). The B31 piping codes do not make
any differentiation between SIFs for the header or branch at an intersection. Because of the overly-conservative
assumptions in the piping code, a SIF of 6.1 is used by default at this intersection. The FEA analysis of the
outplane moment shows that this SIF is actually be 1.0. (The nozzle on the side of the header does not sufficiently
increase the stress above the maximum value at the outer fiber removed from the nozzle.) This is true for all
nozzles with smaller d/D ratios. The stress for this problem as calculated incorrectly by the piping codes (see
WRC 329) will be 6.1 times higher than it should be, and expensive rerouting or alternate supporting of the system
might result unnecessarily. Appendix D of the B31 piping codes states that Stress intensification and flexibility
factor data ... are for use in the absence of more directly applicable data... In this case, more directly applicable
data (i.e., FEA analysis) and similar recommendations from WRC 329 could be used to avoid rerouting the piping
system.

Example 3 Allowable Loads and Pressure MAWP

The process engineer wanted to slope the process vent lines into the header to improve flow and reduce the
potential backpressure buildup in the header. He didnt want to create a weaker junction however by using a
connection at 45 degrees. He wanted to know which of the connections was stronger for bending moments the
straight 90 degree intersection, the 45 lateral, or the hillside connection. The vent header was 24 x 0.375 wall,
and the vent outlet was 16 x 0.375 wall. The results from NozzlePRO are shown below and confirm what is
generally known about these intersections. The larger footprint of the lateral improves the moment carrying
capacity, but cuts a larger hole in the header in the longitudinal direction increasing the hoop stress effect. The
hillside in this d/D ratio performs essentially as well as the straight through intersection.
B31.3 Calculations
r2 = (0.5)(24 0.375) = 11.8125
rB = (0.5)(16 0.375) = 7.8125
B
2
Ze = ()(rB )(T) = ()(7.81252)(0.375) = 71.9
io = 0.9/(T/r2)(2/3) = (0.9)/(0.375/11.8125)(2/3) = 8.98

ii = 0.25 + (0.75)(io) = 6.98
Se = (i)(M)/Ze < Sa
Sa = 1.25(Sc+Sh) (SL assumed = 0 for simplicity)
Let Sc = Sh = 20 ksi
Sa = 1.25(20ksi + 20ksi) = 50ksi
Mi < SaZe/ii=(50000)(71.9)/6.98 = 515043 in.lb.
Mo < SaZe/io = (50000)(71.9)/8.98 = in.lb.
Straight Lateral (45) Hillside B31.3

Through
InPlane Max Allowed Moment 583,179 in.lb. 786,243 in.lb. 451,108 in.lb. 495,658 in.lb.1
Outplane Max Allowed Moment 171,867 in.lb. 304,402 in.lb. 191,997 in.lb. 385,698 in.lb.
Maximum Allowed Pressure 348 psi 160 psi 326 psi n/a
Note (1): For B31.1 the Inplane and outplane moments are the same.
The allowable load report report from NozzlePRO lets the user directly compare fittings and geometries as was
done above. An example allowable load report for one of the nozzles above is shown below.
Allowable Loads
SECONDARY Maximum Conservative Realistic

Load Type (Range): Individual Simultaneous Simultaneous
Occuring Occuring Occuring
Axial Force (lb. ) 43881. 11228. 16841.
Inplane Moment (in. lb.) 583179. 105101. 222953.
Outplane Moment (in. lb.) 171867. 30957. 65671.
Torsional Moment (in. lb.) 598463. 145044. 217566.
Pressure (psi ) 348.73 100.00 100.00
PRIMARY Maximum Conservative Realistic

Load Type: Individual Simultaneous Simultaneous
Axial Force (lb. ) 67023. 17594. 26391.
Pressure (psi ) 240.90 100.00 100.00

The results obtained were expected. There is not enough experience with hillside nozzles yet to draw any
conclusions from the above results. Tests and Code data produced to date cover too limited a scope to permit any
general conclusions to be drawn.
Example 4 Rectangular Attachments (WRC 107):

As might be expected, WRC 107 for a rectangular attachment that has essentially the same dimensions in the
longitudinal direction as the 8 pipe above produces essentially the same stress. The FEA model shows higher
stresses around the corners of the geometry where the stress is concentrated. The FEA model also shows the
beneficial effect of pads, and the gross errors that can occur when WRC 107 is used for pad type attachment
geometries.
WRC 107 Line Load(3) FEA

Lug Pad Lug Pad Lug Pad
Edge(1) Edge(2) Edge(1) Edge(2) Edge(1) Edge(2)
6x8 Rectangle No Pad 141,818 n/a 111,139 n/a 129,813 n/a
6x8 Tri Plate Supt. 6 Wide Pad 43,215 22,619 158,145 15,619 42,311 24,358
6x8 Inverted Tee 6 Wide Pad 43,215 22,619 299,006 15,619 75,275 24,631
Notes:
(1) Simulated by increasing vessel thickness.
(2) Simulated by increasing Load Bearing Area.
(3) Ref: H. Bednar, Pressure Vessel Design Handbook, Van Nostrand, New York, 1981.
Geometry:
Vessel ID = 72
T=0.625
Loads:
Longitudinal Moment = 45000 ft.lb. (540,000 in.lb.)
Rectangular Attachments in 5 Steps



In this example select Cylinder and input the vessel OD and wall thickness


In this example select Structure 6 and input the Structure dimensions.

the images below
Step 5 of 6 Select Loads and input the loads and/or monments

In this example input 45000 in the MZ (ft.lb.) and click O.K.

run has finished.
The results discussed above clearly demonstrate that care must be taken when using WRC 107 for pad reinforced
structural attachments. Depending on how the analyst views the WRC 107 evaluation of the connection significant
errors could be made. The value (RT)1/2 should be used as the minimum pad width if at all possible, (where T is
the sum of the pad and header thicknesses.) (WRC 297 recommends using the value 1.67(RT)1/2) (RT)1/2 is the
width of the pad away from the nearest edge of the structural attachment. For rectangular shapes, running the
support plates right up to the edge of the pad completely eliminates the repad usefulness. Inverted tee supports

12
produce twice the stress of the rectangular plate supports, which more evenly distribute the stress over the pad.
NozzlePRO is particularly useful at evaluating the stresses due to different geometric shapes. Only the single
structural type parameter needs to be changed to alter the support cross section: . The entered loads
are automatically distributed evenly over the outer section of any cross section selected.
Box (no Pad) (129,813) Box (1 Pad) (71,197) Box (4 Pad) (46,775)
Box (6 Pad) (41,299) Triple-Plate (42,311) Inverted Tee(75,275)
Example 5 Using FE/Pipe and Nozzle/PRO SIFs in Pipe Stress Programs:
ASME B31 SIFs published in 1955 were determined experimentally using tees having the same branch diameter
and thickness as the header diameter and thickness (d/D = 1 and t/T = 1). The ASME later (1965) introduced a
correction factor for branch stresses when d/D < 1. The original SIF equations are still used by the codes:
io = (0.9)[(tH)/(RmH)]2/3. > 1.0

ii = (0.675) [(tH)/(RmH)]2/3 + (0.25) > 1.0
FE/Pipe and Nozzle/PRO Stress intensification factors use the WRC 329 definition of if, or ifailure: These SIFs
are based on the actual nozzle section modulus and do not require adjustment for branch connections smaller than
the header. For example:

Comparing SIF usage for Expansion Stress, SE
Using Appendix D SIF Using FE SIF

ASME B31.1
For [Mi2 + Mo2 + Mt2]0.5/( RmB2 tB)B (ioFE)[Mi2 + Mo2 + Mt2]0.5/( RmB2 tB)
B
(0.75ioB31)(tB)/(tH)<1.0
B
For (ioB31) [Mi2 + Mo2 + Mt2]0.5/( RmB2 tH) (ioFE)[Mi2 + Mo2 + Mt2]0.5/( RmB2 tB)
B
(0.75ioB31)(tB)/(tH)>1.0
B
ASME B31.3
For (ii)(tB)/(tH) < 1.0
B
[Mi2 + Mo2 + Mt2]0.5/( RmB2 tB)B [(ioFE Mo)2+(iiFE Mi)2+(Mt)2]0.5/(RmB2tB) B
For (ii)(tB)/(tH) > 1.0

B
[(ioB31 Mo)2+(iiB31 Mi)2+Mt2]0.5/(RmB2tH) [(ioFE Mo)2+(iiFE Mi)2+(Mt)2]0.5/(RmB2tB) B
Under certain conditions pipe stress programs do not distinguish between test SIFs (if) and B31 SIFs. If the pipe
stress program adjusts the FE/Pipe SIFs, bending stress in the branch will be under predicted by the ratio (tB/tH). B
The following graph puts this in terms of actual pipe sizes: error is plotted is for standard thickness branch
connections on a 20inch std. wall header.
...Numerical Example: NPS 20 x 4 un-reinforced branch connection (std wt, all)
Shell Type: cylinder Nozzle/Attachment Type: Straight

Diameter 20 inches Diameter 4.5 inches
Wall thickness 0.375 inches Wall thickness 0.237 inches
... For SIF generation, leave all other parameters at defaults
Nozzle/PRO Branch SIFs:
Inplane Outplane Torsion Axial

4.04 7.42 1.43 11.63
Note: For strict comparison to the ASME B31.3 Code, the axial, pressure and torsional SIFs are ignored. For this
reason pipe stress programs only match complex finite element models when the loads are dominated by inplane
moments or outplane moments. When a branch connection has high axial or torsional loads or complex load
combinations, the pipe stress model and the finite element calculation will predict different stresses.

Checking Pipe Stress Model

It is important to understand how your pipe stress program is using Nozzle/PRO SIFs. A test model was built in
Caesar II to illustrate how FEA SIFs can be incorrectly applied. Later it is shown how to adjust Caesars input to
get the correct result.
To make verification easier, only a single moment is applied to a simple system shown in the figure below. Using
the same diameters and thickness, the remaining Caesar II model details are as follows
(1) All three elements are 40 long.
(2) The intersection is defined as an un-reinforced tee with user input SIFs
(3) A concentrated in-plane moment of 2685.8 ft-lb is applied to node 40 (no pressure, no weight, etc).
(4) The only restraint in the model is the anchor at node 10
Manual calculation of ASME B31.3 expansion stress:

Se = (ii)(Mi)/Z = (4.039)(12)(2685.8)/(3.214)
= 40503 psi (86% of allowable stress)
Pipe Stress Program Code Compliance Report:
NODE Bending Torsion SIF In SIF Out Code Stress Allowable Ratio %
Stress Stress Plane Plane lb./sq.in. Stress
lb./sq.in. lb./sq.in. lb./sq.in.
20 24327.0 0.0 4.040 7.420 24327.0 50000.0 48.7
Caesars output is correctly reporting the users SIF, but the expansion stress is 40% lower than the manual
calculation. The ratio of (tB/tH) is 0.63, which is about the same as the ratio of the stresses within rounding errors.
B
So we know the reason for the difference is that the reduced branch intersection rules are being applied.
The same loads input into the Nozzle/PRO model give an expansion stress (SE = PL+PB+Q+F) of 40,500 psi (plot
below)... so the Caesar II result with the FEA SIF is incorrect.
There are two avenues to correct this result: (1) increase the FEA SIF to counter the pipes tress programs Ze
adjustment, or (2) Somehow deactivate the B31 reduced intersection calculation.

Finite Element SE Stress Distribution
Option 1: Increase SIF to Counter-act the Ze Correction:

This option is simplest, but often conservative for header moments. Nozzle/PRO SIFs are adjusted by multiplying
by (tH/tB) as shown:
B
Nozzle/PRO Branch SIFs:
Inplane Outplane
FEA 4.04 7.42
Adjusted 6.39 11.74
Generating SIFs for loads applied through the header:

Step 1 of 2: Select the Options Menu:

Step 2 of 3: Select SIFs and Ks for Cylinder Header
Step 3 of 3: Run Model and Review Results

Nozzle/PRO Header SIFs
Inplane Outplane
FEA 1.58 0.37 (1)
Adjusted 2.5 0.58 (1)
SE in header:
Nozzle/PRO SIF: Se = (ii)(Mi)/Z = (1.576)(12)(2685.8)/(113.433) = 447.8 psi
Adjusted FE SIF: Se = (ii)(Mi)/Z = (2.494)(12)(2685.8)/(113.433) = 708.6 psi
Option 2: Turn off the Ze correction.

In Caesar II, the user can turn off the Ze correction locally by not specifying an intersection type. There are two
drawbacks to this approach:
(1) When the SIF type is not defined, SIFs must be defined on all three elements
(2) The user must now confirm the inplane and outplane directions.
Branch and header SIFs input as shown (per intuition), give a correct branch stress, but not a correct header stress.
element 10-20 element 20-30 element 20-40

17
ELEMENT Bending Torsion Stress SIF In Plane SIF Out Plane Code Stress Allowable Ratio %
Stress lb./sq.in. lb./sq.in. Stress
lb./sq.in. lb./sq.in.
10 20 @ 20 289.5 0.0 1.600 1.000 289.5 50000.0 0.6
20 30 @ 20 0.0 0.0 1.600 1.000 0.0 50000.0 0.0
20 40 @ 20 40506.8 0.0 4.040 7.420 40506.8 50000.0 81.0
The same error occurs in the branch if the model is rotated 90 degrees about the x-axis:
ELEMENT Bending Stress Torsion Stress SIF In Plane SIF Out Plane Code Stress Allowable Ratio %
lb./sq.in. lb./sq.in. lb./sq.in. Stress lb./sq.in.
10 20 @ 20 289.5 0.0 1.600 1.000 289.5 50000.0 0.6
20 30 @ 20 0.0 0.0 1.600 1.000 0.0 50000.0 0.0
20 40 @ 20 74396.0 0.0 4.040 7.420 74396.0 50000.0 148.8*
The correct result is only obtained by switching the SIFs from inplane to outplane:
ELEMENT Bending Stress Torsion Stress SIF In Plane SIF Out Plane Code Stress Allowable Ratio %
lb./sq.in. lb./sq.in. lb./sq.in. Stress lb./sq.in.
10 20 @ 10 289.5 0.0 1.000 1.000 289.5 50000.0 0.6
10 20 @ 20 463.1 0.0 1.000 1.600 463.1 50000.0 0.9
20 30 @ 20 0.0 0.0 1.600 1.000 0.0 50000.0 0.0
20 40 @ 20 40506.8 0.0 7.420 4.040 40506.8 50000.0 81.0

Chapter 1 Section 5
How to Get Help
Help is available via email from support@paulin.com. Submit the file <name>.nozzlepro and a description of the
problem or question along with the Serial Number ie. NP-XXXXX. One of several routes may then be pursued. If
the question can be answered directly, a response will be returned immediately. If some further work is required
then a different file may be returned. In general, only a small amount of mesh adjustment is ever needed, and the
improved mesh is returned with instructions on how to rerun the model.
If you have the latest version of FE/Pipe you can similarly operate on the existing input by moving the
NOZZLE.ifu file for 3d shell models, or the SETUP.IFU file for axisymetric 2d and brick models from the
\OUTPUT folder into a new data directory, and then starting a new job with the name NOZZLE or SETUP. The
jobname should be changed from NOZZLE and SETUP to something more meaningful to the user.
d will only have to be done once.

Chapter 2 Section 1
Getting Started, Printing Reports, and File Handling
When NozzlePRO is properly unlocked it will startup as shown below: (When NOT unlocked the word DEMO
will appear across the window handle on the top of the screen and input will be limited.) If the words DEMO
show up across the top of the window handle DO NOT USE the results of the PROGRAM
for engineering evalutions!
Begin by selecting the base shell and nozzle or structural attachment types, the units to be used and whether or not
the shell material should be the same as the nozzle material. Once these inputs are chosen, for a straight nozzle in
a cylindrical shell the main NozzlePRO form will appear as shown below:

Only the text fields described by black labels are required. Blue text labels are optional. Enter a 20 inch outside
diameter cylinder with a 1.0 inch wall, and a 10 inch diameter nozzle with a 1.0 inch wall. This input is shown
below:
Click on the Loads button, and then enter a pressure of 100 psi. Leave the rest of the fields blank.

Click OK, then click the Plot Only button on the main form. A separate window with the plotted finite element
model should appear on top of the main plot form as shown below.
The model should now be ready to run. Close the plot window by using the in the upper right corner of the
plot window, or by using file:close. From the main form click on Run FE. A data check will be performed and
the following dialog box should appear:
Click on OK, and depending on the speed of your machine the run will take between 1-to-10 minutes. A status
bar will be shown in the middle of the main form, and plotted results will show up intermittently. When the run
finishes the two bottom panels on the main form will be replaced by a web browser window with the NozzlePRO
output displayed.

The output appears in three separate browser panes. The form may be maximized to get a better view of the
output. Additionally the user may select Graphical Results from the leftmost pane (on the bottom in the image
above), and a separate browser window will be brought up that contains only the graphical results. (The user can
then toggle back and forth between the graphical and tabular results windows.) The vertical bar in the middle of
the three panes can be moved using the mouse so that the full tabular results screen can be shown. The image
below shows a maximized window with the tabular results bar stretched to the right and font size 4 selected. The
tabular results have been scrolled down to the ASME Overstressed Areas Report.
Separate buttons appear with each graphical plot that let the user invoke a 3-dimensional view of the stress state
displayed. The 3d Deformed view of the pressure (Pl) stress state is shown below:

The 3d viewer was designed to let the user hold the dynamically moving model in his or her hand. The stress
state may be rotated, zoomed, clipped, scaled or a thermometer may be used to selectively view the actual value of
the stress state. If the load case selected has an associated displacement case, then the model will be shown
dynamically displacing. The style of the dynamic displacement can be adjusted using the cockpit controls on the
right side of the window. The 3d viewer uses DirectX technology. Version 7.0a or later of DirectX must be
loaded on the host machine. (Windows2000 loads version 8.0 as part of the operating system.) Hold the left
mouse button down and move the mouse to rotate the geometry. Dragging the right mouse button pans the
geometry. The 3d Viewer is discussed in more detail below but is designed to be played-with. Users are
encouraged to test the different features to get a feel for what works best for them.
Each output report is discussed in detail in the Output Review section below. Hopefully, a good portion of the
NozzlePRO input and output is self-explanatory. Where help is available on an input form a key is shown
next to the input text box. An example form with help, and the associated help window is shown below:

Most of the input for the default 3D shell calculation is self-explanatory. Particular items of engineering interest
are discussed below. Input for Axisymetric brick and 2d element models are described later.
Load Definitions:
Operating loads should include the weight loads. The operating loads are the total loads that act on the intersection
through the branch or attachment in the operating condition usually the thermal plus pressure plus weight load
case.
Loads are applied at the end of the nozzle or attachment and are typically the values that would be read directly
from a pipe stress or structural steel program. These loads do not include the P*A axial component due to pressure
for pipe. The P*A load is included automatically by NozzlePro in addition to any other loads applied to the pipe
nozzle.
Loads are distributed across the structural attachment cross-section end in a manner consistent with the beam
analogy. (Users do not have to be concerned with boring degrees of freedom, torsional moments, or shear loads
causing excessive bending in the structural shape. Vertical shear loads are distributed over longitudinal plate
members, for example. Moments on structural attachments are provided as a force couple where practical or as a
linearly varying force over single members.
NozzlePRO calculates the difference between weight and operating loads as the range case required as part of
the ASME Code secondary stress shakedown evaluation procedure. The difference between the weight and
operating loads is also used to find the cyclic stress and is used in the ASME Code fatigue analysis. If there are
significant weight and pressure loads but no thermal loads then the operating and weight loads should be the
same. In this case the only load quantity causing cyclic stress is pressure and pressure must cycle at least once.
The ASME Section VIII Division 2 Code directs that occasional loads should be combined with weight, pressure
and other mechanical loads, and that the resulting stresses should be compared to 1.5(k)(Sm), where k=1.2, and
Sm is the hot allowable for the material. The user should leave the Occasional Cycles data cell blank or zero to
effect this evaluation. (The Occasional Cycles data cell is found on the Advanced Options Screen.) When the
Occasional Cycles data cell is blank or zero the occasional load entered should be the largest signed component of
the occasional load. In general this is the magnitude of the wind or earthquake load. NozzlePRO will treat the
occasional load as a fatigue-causing load only if the user enters the number of occasional cycles. In this case
the user should enter the number of occasional cycles and the full range of the occasional loading. Whenever
NozzlePRO sees a nonzero number of occasional cycles it treats the occasional load as a full range cyclic load
component. Earthquake loads, for example, are often evaluated as fatigue causing loads with 100 cycles. To
evaluate an earthquake load as cyclic, the user should enter the full range of the load, usually twice the value from
a static seismic pipe stress analysis.
Geometry:
The user should always check the mesh produced by NozzlePRO before
running a job. The element grid should be reasonably uniform without holes, doubled over areas, or
obvious geometric anomalies. If the output is reasonable, the mesh typically is too. A wide variety of
geometries have been tested with the NozzlePRO mesher, but certain constructions may still cause errant meshes.
A large number of mesh control options exist wit7h version 4.0 of NozzlePro, but users suspecting mesh related
problems are encouraged to email the model to support@paulin.com. (The model file is stored as
<jobname>.nozzlepro.) After only a little experience reviewing finite element results users will have sufficient
experience to know when results are errant and due to mesh-related problems.
For spherical, elliptical, dished and conic heads, and for cylindrical geometries with structural attachments, the
user can optionally use the unstructured mesher. Structured meshes are preferable, but in certain cases unstructured
meshes produce better results. A comparison between structured and unstructured meshes is shown below:

The unstructured mesh option and several other mesh controls are available on the Options form:
The Crude Mesh check box will cause the program to use the coarsest mesh possible. The Opt. Mult box lets the
user enter a value that will multiply the default mesh. Any value greater than 0.01 may be entered but users are
cautioned against inputing values much greater than 2. (Usually values of 1.5 to 1.8 work best.) As a rule of
thumb, the element side length immediately adjacent to a discontinuity should be smaller than (RT)1/2, where R is
the mean radius and T is the thickness. (This is the side of the element that is pointing away from the
discontinuity. Element sides parallel to the discontinuity can generally be larger. The required size of the element
is a function of the variation in the stress/deflection state.)
For head geometries the straight flange, transition and shell lengths can be omitted if desired, but it is
recommended that at least (3)(RT)1/2 of shell length be added to any head boundary. Conversely just because
there is 20ft. of 48 diameter shell attached to a 48 diameter head there is no reason to enter 20 ft. of shell.
Usually only 3- to 4- times (RT)1/2 needs to be entered down the shell length to accurately trap discontinuity
stresses in the vicinity of a nozzle or attachment on the head. When the d/D ratio is large, the nozzle may distort
the cross section of the head and this distortion will extend down the shell. An accurate attached shell length must
be entered to properly observe this effect.
Nozzle tilt angles can only be entered for cylinder or cone geometries, or for head geometries where the nozzle is
off the centerline of the vessel by more than the diameter of the nozzle.
The NozzlePRO and underlying geometry evaluation software make every attempt to create a viable geometry for
analysis. Where assumptions or adjustments to the users input are made notes are printed in the Model Data
report. This report should be reviewed closely for proper interpretation of the users data.
Printing Reports:
The Print button is activated whenever a finite element report is displayed in the browser. When the user clicks
the Print button the contents of each pane are sent to the printer. (The target printer can be defined when the
Windows Print Panel appears.) If the user only wants tabular reports he can right click in the tabular reports frame
and then click on the Print menu selection that appears in that frame. Plotted results can only be copied to the
clipboard and then Pasted into another document. The 3D viewer images can be sent to the clipboard by
selecting Edit:Copy Image to Clipboard. The image can then be pasted into another document. The lighting
in the 3d viewer can be adjusted to produce stunning images of the deformed and stressed model state.
The small numbers under the Print button: are used to size the print. Selecting a larger number results
in the use of a large font in the tabular reports so that it can be seen easier on the screen. Selected parts of the text
reports can also be highlighted and copied to the clipboard by left clicking and dragging the mouse over the
desired text to highlight it. Once the desired text is highlighted, the right mouse button can be used to copy the text
to the clipboard.
Files:
NozzlePRO has a somewhat unusual file system because of the variety, use, and size of the data files manipulated.
The Files button in the middle-right of the main data screen is used to access the file system manager.
The input for Nozzle PRO is stored in the current data subdirectory under the filename <name>.nozzlepro. The
current subdirectory is always shown in the title bar of the NozzlePRO window. If the user does not enter a current
subdirectory or name, then the subdirectory name NOZZLE will be chosen and established under the application
root directory. Output is stored in an \OUTPUT subdirectory under the data subdirectory when the FEA
calculation completes. The data directory is cleared when the job finishes unless the user asks for intermediate data
files to be retained. The only files needed to browse output are in the \OUTPUT folder. The file structure is shown
schematically below:

When starting a new job it is best to establish the name for the datafiles where the job will be stored. Enter the new
jobname in the Input Filename: textbox, and then click on Make Input Filename Current., then click
on Finished Here. The new filename and current folder should appear in the window handle of the main form.
Version 4.0 of NozzlePRO allows the user to Edit the FE/Pipe input file, and it allows support engineers to send
FE/Pipe input files back to NozzlePRO users. The FE/Pipe input file for shell models is NOZZLE.ifu and for
axisymetric 2d or axisymetric brick models is SETUP.ifu. To circumvent the standard NozzlePRO file handling
sequence an already existing IFU file can be placed in the \<name> subdirectory to be read in place of a new one.
The Use Existing FE/Pipe Input File checkbox must be checked on the optional data form before the file
will be used.
When each job is finished, the used IFU file is written to the \<name>\OUTPUT subdirectory for storage.
(Everything in the \<name> subdirectory is automatically deleted when the job is completed unless the user checks
the checkbox to Leave FE/Pipe data files.) For the smithco2 job above, the FE/Pipe input file would be
found in the file \smithco2\OUTPUT\NOZZLE.IFU after the run. If a support engineer emailed a modified
NOZZLE.IFU file back to the user it would be placed in the \<name> subdirectory, (e.g. \smithco2\NOZZLE.IFU)
and the Use Existing FE/Pipe Input File checkbox would be checked so that the ifu file would be
recognized and used for the subsequent run. (The IFU file is written by NozzlePRO whenever a model is plotted or
run. If an IFU file already exists in the smithco2 folder and the Use Existing FE/Pipe Input File box is
checked the old ifu file will be used. This is what we want if a change is made to the IFU file that should continue
to be used. This is NOT what we want 99% of the time when NozzlePRO is being run in a standard mode outside
of the FE/Pipe interface.) This is a convenient feature for FE/Pipe users. They can build the base model in
NozzlePRO to take advantage of its smart mesh algorithms. They can use the FE/Pipe data editor to enhance the
model, and then they can get the standard NozzlePRO output for reporting.
A typical file structure is shown below:
Data File Example Structure

Input datafile for Job N102: C:\SmithConsulting\N102.nozzlepro
Intermediate Data Files: C:\SmithConsulting\N102\*.*
FE/Pipe Input File: C:\SmithConsulting\N102\NOZZLE.IFU...put it here to use in NozzlePRO.
FE/Pipe Input File: C:\SmithConsulting\N102\OUTPUT\NOZZLE.IFU ... found here when
job finishes
Output Browser Files: C:\SmithConsulting\N102\OUTPUT\NOZZLE*.HTM
Output Static Plots C:\SmithConsulting\N102\OUTPUT\*.BMP
Output 3d Models C:\SmithConsulting\N102\OUTPUT\*.fex

Output 3d Results C:\SmithConsulting\N102\OUTPUT\*.fea
The output HTM and BMP files are written in standard file formats that can be read by any HTML browser. The
standard htm files for a 3d shell model are shown and described below. (Files with the p prefix do not include
the directX buttons .) For 2d axisymetric models the name NOZZLE is replace by the name SETUP.
NOZZLE-toc.htm Table of contents for graphic pictures.

NOZZLE.htm Body of text output report.
NOZZLE-frame.htm 3 frame htm setup file. (Point your browser to this file to get the nozzlePRO 3 frame output
window just like you see it in NozzlePRO with the directX buttons displayed and active.)
NOZZLE-pics.htm Body of graphics output report that contains directX buttons displayed and active.
NOZZLE-pframe.htm 3 frame htm setup file that does NOT include the directX buttons displayed and active.
(See the figure below for an example of what the directX buttons look like.)
NOZZLE-ppics.htm Body of graphics output report that DOES NOT contain the directX buttons. (This is the
htm report used for printing.)
NOZZLE-ptoc.htm Table of contents for report that includes directX buttons.
An example frame with the directX buttons INCLUDED is shown below:
The bmp files can be used in Microsoft WORD or any document processor.
The 3d model output files can only be used with the Paulin Research Group 3d viewer. This is a nonprotected
program which may be distributed freely by licensed NozzlePRO customers to their own clients for the purpose of
viewing 3d results. The only job files that need to be delivered are the fex and fea files. To deliver the viewer, the
files VIEWFE.EXE, DXLIB7.DLL, DXLIB8.DLL and PARTICLES.TGA must be included.
When VIEWFE starts, the user may navigate between data sets to show any combination of results. VIEWFE
requires that DIRECTX 7.0A or later be loaded on the host machine. Windows 2000 and XP includes DIRECTX
support automatically. Windows 98 or 95 users can download DirectX from the Microsoft web site. Windows NT
users must upgrade to Windows 2000 to use the 3d viewer. The test platforms at PRG are Windows 2000,
Windows XP, and Windows 98.

Chapter 2 Section 2
Common Load Types and Categories
Primary Loads.
Loads The nature of Primary Loads is that the load magnitude does not diminish when the
structure deforms.
(Weight loads are also subdivided into Dead and Live Loads in structural steel codes)
Figure 1 Primary Load Examples
Secondary Loads. The nature of Secondary Loads is that the load magnitude diminishes as the structure
deforms. Almost always these loads are a type of restrained expansion. NOTE: The designer must be aware that
this definition is temperature dependant. At temperatures in the creep range of the material, some secondary loads
take on the characteristics of PRIMARY loads.
(At temperatures below the creep range)
(Restrained Thermal Expansion) (Through Wall Temperature Gradient)

Figure 2 Secondary Load Examples

Occasional Loads. Occasional loads are similar to Primary Loads in that the magnitude of the load does
not diminish with deformation. Occasional loads are distinguished from Primary Loads by being generally rare
short duration events rather than continuous loads.
Wind Acceleration (e.g., FPSO or Seismic)

Figure 3 Occasional Load Examples
Fatigue Loads: The only requirement of a Fatigue Load is that the load has multiple repetitions (has
cycles). A fatigue load can otherwise be described under any other Load Category.
Common Stress Types

The complex stress state of any component can be broken down into the following sub-components.
Shear Stress. Shear stress is a tensor component used in the calculation of principal stresses.
Figure 4 Shear Stress Examples
Membrane Stresses. Membrane stress is a mean stress averaged through the thickness, oriented parallel
to the mid surface. Circumferential and longitudinal pressure stresses in a cylinder are shown below. Membrane
stresses are tensor components used in the calculation of principal stresses. Note that in the absence of shear
stresses, the magnitudes of the membrane stress tensors are often identical to stress intensities. Can also be an
F/A type of stress.

Figure 5 Membrane Stress Examples
...Two Kinds of Bending Stress:

Bending Stresses. Bending stress is term with different meanings depending on the code used or the
analytical technique used.
(a) Beam bending
b = (M)(y)/(I) ... (so long as total stress < yield stress)

Figure 6 Beam Bending Stress
Beam Bending Stresses. This is a longitudinal stress. In piping codes this stress is treated as a uniform stress
through the thickness of the pipe (varying with position on the circumference). Note however, that torisonal shear
stresses are also included in the piping codes bending stresses. This is also the type of bending stress reported by
beam element models.
(b) Shell bending

Shell Bending Stresses. This is a stress that varies through the thickness. In ASME Section VIII Division 2, this
is the only bending stress explicitly defined. Examples of shell bending are shown in the longitudinal and
circumferential directions below. Note that in some components, such as pipe shoes or saddles, the bending stress
may be oriented in directions other than just circumferential or longitudinal. This is the type of bending stress
reported by shell element FE models. Axisymmetric and Brick element model results must be post processed to
this same definition.
b = (6)(MO)/(t2), or (6)(ML)/(t2)
** Note: direct shear is also represented as Q in this figure

b = (6)(M)/(t2)
Figure 7 Shell Bending Stress Examples
FEA Trivia Question: How are beam bending stresses represented in an FEA model?
ANS: (a) For beam elements: as beam stresses.
(b) For all other element types: as membrane stresses
Peak Stresses F: Peak stresses are related to notch effects and are only important for fatigue life. If
there are no load cycles, then peak stresses are unimportant (except for some special environmental considerations,
like SCC).
Figure 8 Peak Stress Example

(Axisymmetric Nozzle/Shell Junction)

Stress Categories
Individual Stress Intensity Components
The stress components described in Section (2) above must be calculated for separate load cases and combined to
determine principal stresses for each load category. Stress Intensities are computed from the principal stresses [4-
120.]
1> 2> 3
S12 = || 1 - 2 ||
S23 = || 2 - 3 ||
S31 = || 3 - 1 ||
Stress intensity = Max( S12, S23, S31)
There are code limits on some individual stress intensities such as PL (described below). Other code limits (see
3.2) are determined by first computed combining tensor components for membrane, bending, etc, then finding the
principal stresses and stress intensities.
Primary Stresses: Pm, PL, PB

Primary stress can only be caused by primary loads
Primary stresses lead to burst or collapse...deformations in the structure do not reduce the magnitude of primary
stresses (eg. primary stresses are not self-limiting.)
Pm = General Primary Membrane Stress [4-112(f) & (g)]

PL = Primary Local Membrane Stress [4-112(i)]
Pb = Primary Bending Stress [4-112(g)]
Pm is (usually) not an FEA stress: Pm is satisfied by code formulas for pressure design, except for unlisted
components.
Pb (as a shell bending stress) is not a stress usually found in Nozzle/PRO geometries (See Table 4-120.1, of
ASME Section VIII Division 2).
Note: under Section III definitions, where Pb is due to beam type bending, it is considered conservative to
include it as PL.
Secondary Stresses: Q
Primary or secondary loads can cause secondary stress. The following cylinder cone junction under pressure loads
illustrates how primary loads (pressure) cause secondary stresses:
Figure 9 Secondary Stress Caused by Primary Loads

Secondary Stresses are not usually subdivided in to m, L and b categories under Division 2, except when the
SPS stress limit is exceeded. (See article 4-136.7 of Division II)
Nozzle/PROs use of Qb for primary loads is NOT an ASME VIII Division 2 code check, it is an ASME Section
III code check.
Combined Stress Intensities and Stress Intensity Ranges

The code rules and limits on combined stresses are based on preventing ratcheting. Stress intensities are computed
as described in (3.1). First the code rules assume that material behaves as elastic perfectly plastic (Figure 10). The
possible combinations of primary and secondary stress are illustrated in the simplified diagrams of Figure 11: the
left hand side is a simplified hysteresis diagram, and the right hand side is a simplified Bree diagram. The Bree
diagram is a simplified illustration of the combination of primary and secondary stresses. In the code it is possible
to enter the P range of the Bree diagram, but there is a heavy penalty on Fatigue stresses (Article 4-136.7). The
code stress combinations and limits are illustrated by Figure 4-130.1 (reproduced and amplified as Figure 12)
Figure 10 Actual and Assumed Material Behavior

(uni-axial hysteresis) (bree diagram) .

Figure 11 Simplified Material Behavior Models

Figure 12 ASME Figure 4-130.1 Amplified

Nozzle/PRO Load Cases and Combinations
Nozzle/PRO Stress Reports

Nozzle/PRO element type
Shell Axisymmetric Brick
Division II Stress ASME B31 Stress
Type Type
Primary Sustained PL Smembrane, Sbend1 or
Sn1.
Primary + Secondary n/a PL+PB+Q in Sn
no load to PL+PB+Q out
operating
Primary + Secondary n/a PL+PB+Q in Sn2 (may require
installation PL+PB+Q out manual combination
(weight) to operating of multiple models)
Fatigue SE PL+PB+Q+F in SI SI
PL+PB+Q+F out
Notes:
(1) For axisymmetric models with pressure only Sbend and Sn, may be primary depending on location in the
model.
(2) For axisymmetric models with transient heat transfer, the range of stress, Sn, must be determined by
including a separate pressure case, or by the range of stresses for different temperature cases if there is a stress
reversal (check deflected shape plots).
(3) Brick element models are best reviewed by using Stress/Plot

Chapter 2 Section 3
Options Data Form
Weld Size/SCF The two data cells to the right are used for the weld size and the associated stress concentration
factor (SCF). The SCF is only used to calculate peak stresses in 3D shell models. The weld size is only used for
nozzle geometries, (not structural attachments).
The Weld Size is also used for the axisymetric 2d and brick nozzle models.
The weld size is the leg length of the fillet weld between the header and nozzle. Click on the button to see a
drawing defining the weld dimensions. The SCF (Stress Concentration Factor) indicates the increase in peak stress
due to the presence of the weld geometry and the effect of welding. Generally the SCF must come from a
comparison of fatigue test results and the finite element results. For PVP geometries and the element type and
intersection model used in NozzlePRO an SCF of 1.35 has been found to envelop the existing fatigue test data
without undue conservatism.
Pad Weld/SCF The two data cells to the right are used for the pad edge weld size and the associated stress
concentration factor (SCF). This weld size is only used for nozzle geometries with pads and is also used with
axisymetric 2d and brick models.

Base Weld Leg Size Typically the fillet weld leg length is the same along the nozzle and the header. If this is not
the case then enter the length of the fillet along the header in the Base Weld Leg text box, and the length along
the branch in the Weld Size text box. This option is also available for axisymetric 2d and brick models.
Free POSITIVE Cylinder End When the Base Shell Type is Cylinder the top of the cylinder may be freed.
Any loads through the branch will be carried by the opposite side cylinder end. This is the typical boundary
condition for a vertical vessel with a large nozzle. (The top of the vessel is essentially free, and the nozzle loads
are carried through only the supported end of the vessel. This tends to produce higher stresses.) The freed end is
capped. See the button contents are shown below:
Free NEGATIVE Cylinder End Mutually exclusive counterpart to POSITIVE end free option.
Calculate Pressure Stress ONLY Click on this box to have NozzlePRO ignore all other loads except pressure.
Stresses will be calculated at the nozzle/shell penetration line in an attempt to trap the peak pressure stress on the
inside longitudinal plane of cylindrical geometries. This option is used typically when pressure is cycling and the
user is interested in a pressure only analysis. The user might consider also increasing the SCF at the nozzle welds
to 1.6. This value can be adjusted based on brick model analyses of the nozzle intersection.
SIFs for Cylinder Header For cylindrical geometries this option produces SIFs for loads through the header.
(The default is for the SIFs to be produced for loads through the branch.) When d/D is 0.5 or less the SIFs for
moments through the header can be considerably smaller than the SIFs for moments through the branch. The
Code default is to use the same SIF for each, severely penalizing the user when the branch is not loaded. This
option allows the user to enter more realistic values for header/run SIFs.
Do NOT Average Stresses Check box to turn OFF stress averaging. Stress averaging generally produces more
realistic values, especially for structural attachments, but may obscure inaccuracies in the solution. Users looking
closely at solutions may want to turn averaging off to get a better view of the numerically unaided stress state.
Show FE/Pipe Screens During Run Click this checkbox to see the progress of the finite element run using the
FE/Pipe status screens. These screens provide more information to the user, but also take up more screen space.
Often this is used to aid in debugging a run that does not run to completion.
Show Intermediate Input Plots The model plot will be displayed when the run is starting. This is included as a
visual check of the job progress.

Show Intermediate Output Plots The model results plots will be displayed as they are created. This is included
as a visual check of the job progress.
Use FE/Pipe Editor During Run Click on this check box to invoke the FE/Pipe data editor whenever the user
plots or runs a NozzlePRO job. When plot or run is selected, NozzlePRO builds the necessary input for
FE/Pipe and then pauses at the FE/Pipe input data screen main menu:
From this menu, the user can modify the input using any of the options available in FE/Pipe that are available to
NozzlePRO. This is used generally by the support engineer to tweak a model, or can be used by the FE/Pipe user
to make quick changes to the automatically generated NozzlePRO model. AFTER changes have been made at the
FE/Pipe level, the user can continue using the FE/Pipe version of the model by checking the box Use Existing
FE/Pipe Input File.
Leave FE/Pipe Data Files This check box is used in conjunction with the FE/Pipe data editor box above. To
continue using the same FE/Pipe input in subsequent runs the FE/Pipe input file must not be deleted. This box is
also used for debugging jobs that do not complete properly. When a job aborts in error, the last data file used may
give an indication of the problem.
Use Existing FE/Pipe Input File Once the user has edited an FE/Pipe input file he may want to continue to
reuse those changes in subsequent runs. Click in this check box to reruse an existing input file. Note however,
that NozzlePRO level changes will not be picked up if the user is running the input at the FE/Pipe data file level.
These options should only be used by experts with the program or at the direction of a support engineer.
Crude Mesh Click this checkbox to use the crudest mesh possible for a given geometry. Enter a number in the
box to the right as a multiplier to override the checkbox. The number entered will multiply the standard mesh
density. Values can be between 0.01 and 10. The user is suggested to use large mesh multipliers with caution.
Seldom are values greater than 2.0 required, and more often 1.5 to- 1.8 is recommended.
Use Unstructured Mesh for Heads or Structure Click on this checkbox to use an unstructured mesh for
spherical, elliptical, or dished heads. (Unstructured meshes may also be used for structural attachments on
cylinders, but this is only recommended for shorter cylinders, where the L/D ratio does not exceed 2.) The
unstructured mesh option can be used for convergence studies and in situations where the structured, parametric
cubic mesher is not well suited for the geometry.

Do NOT Use the Unstructured Mesh There will be occasions where NozzlePRO will elect to use the
unstructured mesher instead of the structured mesher. If the user would prefer to try to use the structured mesher,
they can deactivate the unstructured mesher use. This is NOT recommended, and users activating these options
should check the resulting element mesh and results carefully.
Deactivate Element Smoothing In certain instances the movement of nodes to form better elements results in
element area overlap. Deactivate element smoothing if it is suspected that smoothing is causing this problem. This
most often occurs when crude models are run. The crude model meshes are very bad to begin with, and often dont
smooth particularly well.
Print Stress Outside of Discontinuity Zone NozzlePRO was designed to find the stress around nozzle or
structural discontinuities in cylinders or heads. The general stress state in the cylinder or head removed from the
discontinuity is generally not of interest because the Code controls this value. Depending on the model type and
d/D ratio stress artifacts may exist at boundary conditions that do not effect the stress at the discontinuity. These
values are generally not printed in either the static stress plots that appear in the browser window, or in the
dynamic 3D plots. If the user wishes to have the stress calculated in the entire model for the dynamic 3D plots,
then the Print Stress Outside of Discontinuity Zone box should be checked. The graphical result is shown
below. The tabular results will also be changed. A stress region removed from the discontinuity will be added to
the report, and the highest stresses in this area reported. If a stress artifact exists at a boundary, it will be included
in the report when the Print Stress Outside of Discontinuity Zone box is checked.

Merge Nodes Tolerance-

The following diagrams illustrate concepts and most common reasons to change the Nozzle/PRO defaults
(1.1) Concepts
(1.2) Error 3241 = COLLAPSED ELEMENTS
Solution: input a smaller merge tolerance (see below)

(1.3) Error 2010 = DISCONNECTED PIECE OF MODEL

This error occurs if TOO SMALL a value of MERGE NODES TOLERANCE is input... (dont over-do it)
(1.4) How to Change Merge Nodes Tolerance in Nozzle/PRO (in Two Steps)
Step 1... select OPTIONS

Step 2... input a merge nodes tolerance

(for English units 0.005 usually works. For SI units, 0.1 usually works)
Insert Length For nozzles that have inside penetrations enter the insert length. Insert nozzle end sections are
perpendicular to the nozzle centerline. (Not all insert nozzles ends are perpendicular to the nozzle centerline. Some
are contoured to the head. In this case the user should vary the input length to determine the sensitivity of the
solution to this parameter. If a dependable solution relies on an accurate modeling of this contoured end section
then a support engineer should be consulted.)
Insert Thickness The thickness of the inserted nozzle.
Do Not Cut Hole in Header for Branch Click this checkbox if the pipe does not penetrate the shell. Used when
pipe is welded to cylinders or heads for support, and are not pressure carrying members.
Branch Pressure Enter a value if the branch pressure is different from the header pressure. Used for hot taps and
some field welded pressure test connections when the hole is not removed from the header and the branch side
may be pressurized.

3D Shell Elements The usual model of choice. Eight-noded reduced integration doubly curved shell elements
will be used to model the requested geometry. These element models are considered a sizeable improvement over
an equivalent WRC 107 or 297 type model of the same geometry. Shell elements do not consider through-the-
thickness direction stress gradients and tend to become more conservative when D/T ratios get in the range of 10
or smaller.
Axisymetric Heads and Skirts If this option is selected the user can set the axisymetric head and skirt options
and additional loadings required using the Axisymetric Head and Skirt Options button that will become
activated. The axisymetric modeler in NozzlePRO allows the user to study various through-thickness phenomena
more closely, such as:
1) Contoured weld radii

2) Integral or non-integral repads
3) Skirt-to-head weld stresses
4) Effect of nozzle flanged end connections.
5) Head bed supports.
6) Welded-in Contoured Fittings.
Saddle / Shoe Options To access these options, the user must select either the saddle or pipe shoe attachment
option in the main NozzlePRO screen. These options allow the user to modify the saddle or pipe shoe to account
for tapered designs, multiple circumferential web plates, distance from head or front-end, and other many options.
Self-weight, liquid head, and saddle forces may also be modeled for a complete and accurate mode of horizontal
vessels.

Chapter 2 Section 4
Using the 3D Viewer
DirectX may be thought of as Microsofts view of the 3-dimensional world. NozzlePRO models have been ported
to this framework and a special viewer written to take advantage of this technology. Meshes, displacements and
stresses can be viewed in 3d much faster, and with a much better understanding of the result than with the prior
2d slow-time rendering methods. The NozzlePRO viewer was written so that the user feels like he is holding the
3d stress/displacement model in his hand.
3D technologies are improving at an exponential rate. As engineers experience their power they will become
ubiquitous on the desktop. Anyone with Windows 2000 already has sufficient DirectX 3d support to run the
NozzlePRO viewer. Windows 98 and 95 support multimedia capability and also support DirectX 7.0a. The user
must have a minimum of DirectX 7.0a to take advantage of this capability within NozzlePro. Users of Windows
NT must upgrade to 2000 before using the 3d viewer. Microsoft never released DirectX version 7 for NT.
Using the DirectX module, the user has access to translucent view, hidden-line mesh views, shaded views, scalable
stress results, rotation, clipping, lighting options, and a data thermometer to read off the exact value from any point
on the geometry. Viewing tools include zoom, pan, polyline, and plane-view-zoom options.
If a displacement load case is associated with the stress state then the model will be showed in a dynamically
displacing view. Controls for the dynamic displacement views are in the right screen cockpit.
The DirectX models are available by clicking on the 3d viewer buttons in the stress report output pane. Examples
of these buttons are shown in the plot below.
The resulting 3d Deformed model window that appears is shown below:

Menu Options:
File-Used to select different job names. When in the viewer the user can look at any 3d data file that resides on
the machine. File also lets the user select various options, the most important of which is the rendering option for
non-calculated vertices, usually weld zones. If the user is experiencing difficulties with the viewer, the options also
permit deactivating hardware acceleration and shifting between directX7 and directX8 libraries.
Data-Used to select between various possible data sets that are associated with a single model. Multiple stress
states are represented by different files that can be selected and rendered with any particular geometry. The user
can select which stress state to view.
Rendering-Different Options for viewing the model. Most options are available from buttons on the task bar.
Navigation Lets the user select ways the mouse is used to position the model, i.e. Rotate, Zoom, Pan, etc. Most
movement options define the left mouse button and drag. Most options also support a different right mouse button
and drag. For example, when in rotate mode, holding the left mouse button down lets the user rotate the model,
but holding the right mouse button down lets the user pan the model. The right mouse button has a duplicate
function for each operation. The user should experiment with using both the right and left mouse buttons when
positioning the model interactively.
Clipping Lets the user clip the model to the viewport, (the way that FE/Pipe currently does it), or to draw a
polyline region to clip into or out of. The out-of clip essentially cuts a hole in the view.
View Lets the user set the style of the window and menus. The background color can also be selected. View also
lets the user select an advanced toolbar that has an increased functionality. The experienced user is encouraged to
activate the advanced toolbar and test some of its features.

Toolbar:
Zoom and Pan When zooming by dragging with the left mouse button, dragging the right mouse button pans the
model. When panning with the left mouse button, the right mouse button rotates the model. The left mouse button
is the major mover and the right mouse button is the secondary option mover.
Plane-View-Zoom When this tool is picked the user can select any point on the model and the program will
rotate and zoom the model so that the surface pointed to by the tool is normal to the users view. This is a useful
way to rotate the model to a get a view of the stress that appears initially on the side of the geometry.
Rotate When the rotate tool is picked, dragging with the left button depressed rotates the model about the
vertical axis horizontally, and about the azimuth if vertically. When the right button is depressed the model can be
panned.
Interactive Rotate When picked the model will slowly rotate about the vertical axis. Generally gives a better
understanding of the model.
Original View This tool returns the model to its original orientation. Used most often after a clip to return the
model to a standard viewing orientation.
Zoom In/Out Single Hit keys to either zoom in or out one step at a time.
Clipping Tools The leftmost tool clips the geometry to the present viewport. All elements outside of the
current window are removed. The geometry is moved so that any subsequent rotation will keep the model in the
window. The next tool lets the user create a polyline. When the tool is selected a second time the view is
clipped to the part of the model that is enclosed by the polyline. The polyline is created by clipping on the
boundaries that should be included with the view. Users should experiment with this option. The third clip tool lets
the user draw an exclusion polyline. Everything outside of the polyline is kept and what is inside the polyline is
disgarded. The fourth tool is activated when any clipped view is selected. This tool returns the view to the
original unclipped model.
View Option Tools These tools change the model rendering. The leftmost tool is the most realistic rendering
and shows only the shaded or stress contoured image. The second tool shows a hidden line image. The third tool
shows a slightly translucent shaded image, and the fourth tool does not show hidden lines. The triangle is to not
show elements that are pointing toward the viewer. This option often creates useful views when the model is
complicated. The user should experiment with the view that is most suited for a particular application.

Data Set Selection Tool When there are multiple data sets available for a single model the user may select
between them by selecting this tool. A Selection window is opened with the available data sets shown. The user
must then pick between them. When all data sets have been written for a particular job, this tool lets the user pick
between stress states. For example, the user can use this tool to see the Pl case, or the Pl+Pb+Q case, etc. (if write
all cases is selected!!)
Data Set Scaling Tool This is one of the most useful tools in the menu bar. As is often the case with PVP finite
element results, the highest stress values are over a very small section of the model and a linear color gradient
shows the entire model in blue. In these cases it is difficult to see where the high stress actually is, and to see how
it is distributed in the model. The color scalar takes care of this problem. When picked the distribution of stresses
is shown in a slidable graph. An example is shown below:
The user can match this plot up with the color legend that is also shown on the plot. The highest value on the color
legend corresponds to the rightmost value in the graph, (the triangle on the right), and the bottom value on the
color legend corresponds to the leftmost value in the graph, (the triangle on the left.) The user can pick any of the
triangles on the data scalar and move it to the right or left to adjust the scaled value on the plot. Generally the
rightmost triangle is selected and moved to either the allowable stress value, (watch how the color legend changes
as the triangle is moved), or to the start of some convenient value so that high stress regions in the geometry can be
seen conveniently. The Auto button is used to shift the center point of the Data Scaling multipliers so that have
the nodes in the model are yellow or lower, and half the nodes in the model are yellow or higher.
Data Thermometer Whenever a data set is shown, (e.g. stresses) the user can move a thermometer over the
model and read the exact value of the stress at any location. Select the thermometer tool, then just move it over the
model. The exact value of the stress is shown in the window border on the bottom left of the screen.
Background Color Selector Used to pick the background color. The user can change the background color at
any time. White or black is recommended.
Lighting When the model is originally rendered a lighting is selected and applied. In some cases this casts a
darker image over parts of the model and may not be desired. Clicking on the lighting tool turns OFF the
preselected lighting. The user can toggle on or off lighting at any time. A slider bar appears that lets the user
adjust the lighting intensity, and the light direction can be reversed.
Copying and Sending 3d Data Files: It is often desireable to save and send 3d views of model results to clients or
colleagues. The NozzlePRO 3d viewer is a self contained executable that is NOT copy protected and may be
distributed freely by NozzlePRO licensees to their clients for the purpose of reviewing NozzlePRO results. It is

not intended to be used by developers of other software programs to copy or otherwise imitate the methods,
styles, look and feel or any other aspect of the 3d viewer.
To send the 3d geometry to a customer transmit the following files:
1) Viewfe.exe,dxlib7.dll, dxlib8.dll and particle.tga from the \<installation> subdirectory.

2) <Jobname>.fex and .fea files from the data \OUTPUT subdirectory these are the 3d geometry and
stress plot files for the model.
Providing the client receiving the files has DirectX 7.0a or later he should be able to start up viewfe and open the
<jobname>.fex file. When the data file is opened, the Data option in the menu bar can be selected to pick the
load case to review.
The <jobname>.fex file contains one 3d model. If the user wishes to send other 3d models, perhaps distorted or
exploded views, then the other fex files should be opened. Each fex file contains the geometric description for one
NozzlePRO results load case.
Sending Plots to the Clipboard: Any of the views shown in the 3d viewer may be sent to the clipboard by hitting
Edit: Copy Image to Clipboard. The image loaded into the clipboard may then be downloaded into Word,
Paint, or any package capable of interacting with graphics and the Windows clipboard.
The View option from the task bar allows the user to set the toolbar state. The advanced toolbar provides
additional capability beyond that listed above for the user to experiment with. Also from the View menu selection
the user can set the aspect ratio for the plot. This will allow the user to see cross sections as true circles and not
ovals.
The arrow keys can also be used to rotate the model. Control plus the arrow keys will pan the geometry. Hitting
the <Enter> key will reset the transform to its original position. The space bar will start the autorotate, and page
up/page down, +/-, keys zoom the model.

Chapter 2 Section 5
How NozzlePRO Starts the DirectX viewer
This section was written for NozzlePRO users having problems with the DirectX viewer. The first thing the user
experiencing problems should do is to make sure that an acceptable version of DirectX is loaded on the machine.
On 2000 and XP machines the directX options are accessible through the control panel:
When double-clicking on the DirectX icon the following should appear.
To run FE/Pipe or NozzlePRO version 7.0A or later should appear here. The software will not run with earlier
versions, and this unfortunately excludes Windows NT users. Once it has been verified that a proper directX
version is loaded, the user must be sure that the Mime file type is pointing to the proper version of ViewFE.EXE.
ViewFE.EXE is the program in FE/Pipe and NozzlePRO that supports DirectX and the 3d model views. The file
type assignment can get fouled up if earlier versions were not properly uninstalled, or if operating system or
network problems have been encountered on the machine that has produced errant registry entries regarding
FE/Pipe and/or NozzlePRO. The file type assignment can be checked by double clicking folder options in the
control panel:

In the folder options dialog box click on File Types and a view something like the above should appear.
The file type of interest for NozzlePRO is fea. In the Registered File Types window scroll down to the FEA file
type and then click on Advanced. If the FEA file type is not registered, then NozzlePRO was not properly
installed, or the user does not have sufficient privledges. In either of these cases the user should open a command
prompt and then enter the command viewfe r to register the viewer. Be sure to enter this command from the
subdirectory that contains the version of VIEWFE.exe that is the most current and that will be used.

Once the fea file type is properly registered, the following file type should appear.
Clicking on the advanced button shows:

Clicking on Edit shows:
The user should be sure that the application used to perform the action is the current version of viewfe.exe. The
majority of the time that the viewer will not work, the fea file type is not properly associated.
Once the proper application is established, the user can check that the file type is properly assigned. Do this by
finding an fea file type on the system from a previous NozzlePRO run. Double clicking on this file should bring up
the model in 3d.
If this doesnt work, the user should attempt to run a simple job using NozzlePRO to test if the 3d button s produce
the intended result. Make sure the job entered is a simple one that the user knows will run successfully. The only
other usual reason the viewer data files will not display is if the run has not completed successfully or if there are
problems with Internet Explorer. Users are encouraged to run the latest versions of IE. Interim versions have
various bugs on different operating systems that are fixed in the later versions.
The nozzlePRO output is written in an htm file format. In the <name>\output folder the user should find the file
NOZZLE-PICS.HTM or SETUP1-PICS.HTM. Either of these files can be started by directing the browser to the
output folder. As can be seen below the buttons in the nozzlePRO plot frame use the OnClick=window.navigate(
command. This ability should not be disabled in the users browser. An example section from a typical
nozzlePRO htm file is shown below:
<HR><CENTER><A NAME="1"></CENTER><IMG SRC="NOZZLE-1.bmp">
<input type="submit" name="Submit1" value=" 3d " onClick="window.navigate('NOZZLE1.fex')">
<HR><CENTER><A NAME="2"></CENTER><IMG SRC="NOZZLE-2.bmp">
<input type="submit" name="Submit2" value=" 3d " onClick="window.navigate('NOZZLE1002.fea')">
<input type="submit" name="Submit3" value="3d(Deformed)" onClick="window.navigate('NOZZLE2002.fea')">

Chapter 2 Section 6
Errors Aborted Runs and DirectX Troubleshooting
Running most finite element models requires the solution of very large sets of simultaneous equations. The sets of
equations solved in most pipe stress programs are on the order of 100-to-10,000 equations of relatively small
active column sizes. The sets involved in most finite element calculations are easily an order of magnitude larger,
resulting in a squared increase in solution time and computer resource requirements. Accordingly, the user should
not start a finite element calculation on anything slower than a 300 MHz. Pentium processor with at least 128
Mb of RAM, and at least 300Mb free on the hard disk. Larger and faster machines are preferable.
The finite element program runs as a background application. The user will not see it on the task bar when
running. The only way to see FE/Pipe running in the background is by bringing up the task manager under
Windows NT/2000 or by hitting <cntrl><alt><del> under Windows95 or Windows98. When looking at the
displayed processes (programs) the user might see either:
modgen
fepre
premini
If any of these programs are running in the process list then the FEA program is running. All program errors
should be trapped and reported. On a slower machine, (depending on the problem geometry), the solution might
take upwards of 20-to-30 minutes to solve. On 500+ MHz Pentiums solutions should take only a few minutes.
During solution a file: __file__.loc is maintained in the job run directory and CPU usage should be at about 80%.
If there is no graphics in the output window when the job completes then most likely an error occurred and the
user should find it described in the tabulated reports.
There are several files that might give the user some guidance during an abnormal termination, and they are:
error.log Written if an abort occurred in the logic part of the preprocessing phase.
modgen.err Written for every job, but may contain a description of any errors that occurred during model
geometry construction.
input.add If this file exists then it should contain a description of the model geometry. When a job does not
complete successfully the user is encouraged to review this file thoroughly for potentially errant input. If
errors in the input are found, the user should correct them and rerun the model. In any event, when a
particular job aborts, the input <name>.nozzlepro file should be forwarded to support@paulin.com for
review.
__file__.loc Written during execution of the finite element portion of the run. This file contains the percentage of
the current phase that is completed and the name of the current phase of the execution.
Troubleshooting the Installation:
If the software loads correctly and seems to run but does not produce the output data panes then most likely:
a) Internet Explorer 5.0 or later is not correctly loaded on the machine, or

b) The user has run out of hard disk space, or
c) A geometry error has occurred.
If the NOZZLE-FRAME.HTM does not exist in the...\<jobname>\OUTPUT subdirectory then the job aborted or is
still running. Jobs will abort if there are insufficient resources to solve the finite element problem.
If you get the message that your executable has been invalidated then you will need to contact the Paulin Research
Group for a more recent version of the program.
If you get an error attempting to load the help, then either your version of WordPad or Word is out-of-date and
needs to be updated. If you have an acrobat reader, the help documentation is also provided in a pdf file format.

If the program aborts whenever you try to run then you should make sure that you have the rights to create folders
and files in the current working directory. If you are unsure of the current working directory use the Files button
to show you what Nozzle PRO thinks is the current working directory.
If NozzlePRO will not install, then make sure that you have read AND WRITE access to the windows subdirectory.
(This access is required by the MS program installer.)
If the program always starts in DEMO mode after you have authorized it, then make sure your shortcut is pointing
to the program STARTNP.EXE.
Troubleshooting the 3d model viewer
The NozzlePRO 3d models require that Microsoft DirectX 7.0A or later be installed on the machine. Microsoft
describes DirectX as follows:
What is DirectX?
Windows 2000 supports DirectX 7.0, which enhances the multimedia capabilities of your computer.
DirectX includes accelerated video card and sound card drivers that provide better playback for different
types of multimedia, such as full-color graphics, video, 3-D animation, immersive music, and theater
sound. DirectX enables these advanced functions without requiring you to identify the hardware
components in your computer and ensures that most software runs on most hardware systems.
Microsoft also suggests how to Troubleshoot DirectX as follows:
Troubleshooting DirectX
You can diagnose and resolve DirectX problems using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool and the Multimedia
and Games Troubleshooter. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool helps you test the functionality of DirectX, to
diagnose problems, and to configure your system to optimize DirectX performance. The DirectX
Diagnostic Tool (Dxdiag.exe) is installed with DirectX. For information about using the DirectX
Diagnostic Tool, click the Help button in the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
The Dxdiag.exe screen is shown below:
Click on the display tab (there may be several display tabs check them all), and then execute the DirectDraw and
Direct3d tests. If dxdiag.exe cannot be located on the computer, then on the computer does not have directx

installed. DirectX can be downloaded from the Microsoft website for Windows 98 or 95 operating systems.
(Microsoft never provided DirectX 7.0 or later versions for NT.)
The 3d viewer File:Options dialog box appears below:
When the program is installed it will try to use DirectX8. If DirectX8 is not installed it will shift to DirectX7
automatically and ask you to restart the program. If you dont have DirectX7 or 8 loaded then you cannot use the
3d viewer. Several other items should be checked if there is 3d viewer abnormal behavior:
1) Make sure that you have the latest drivers for your video card.
2) Make sure that you have any patches for DirectX.
3) If you have DirectX7 try loading DirectX8.
4) If you have DirectX8 then try switching to DirectX7 in the dialog box above. (8 supports 7).
5) Try disabling hardware acceleration in the dialog box above.
6) If none of these help, then odds are that trying the same on another, different machine WILL work.
DirectX technologies attempt to get the most out of the video performance on the machine. Older versions of
BIOSs, drivers or chip sets may produce erratic behavior. Usually moving to another machine will solve the
problem. Some machines use hardware that is too new, and has not been adequately tested with DirectX. Some
older machines have the same problem. This will be an ongoing nuisance as hardware and software changes
continue at such a rapid pace.
Two types of 3d geometry files are created by NozzlePRO, and each is stored in the
<input_directory>\<filename>\OUTPUT subdirectory on job completion. The NOZZLEn.FEX file contains
shaded images of the model for each load case analyzed. NOZZLEn.FEA files contain stress results for the
different stress types for the different load cases, e.g. (NOZZLE1.FEX and NOZZLE3.FEA.) These files are
registered file types with the operating system and are associated with the program VIEWFE.EXE. When the user
clicks on a 3d button, or double clicks on the file directly, the 3d viewer should start and display the corresponding
image. These file types are registered with the operating system during each program startup. If there is an error
the user will be notified at that time. The file type registration can be checked by double clicking on My
Computer:... Folder Options ... File Types The user may have to hunt for the Folder Options button in the My
Computer menu as it appears in different places depending on the operating system. When the File Types
button is clicked, the user should scroll down the file_types window that appears until the Finite Element Analysis
and Finite Element Mesh files are found. This display on a Windows 2000 Operating system is shown below, (it is
different on a machine with another operating system.)

Search for the Edit File Type button, (again, could be in a variety of places depending on OS), Click on Edit
or otherwise check the location of the application used to perform the open action. An example of this screen is
shown below:
The application path and name should be the current version of the viewer. If not, then it should be changed.

Chapter 2 Section 7
FE/PIPE, NozzlePRO, PVElite, and CodeCalc
Using the FE/Pipe Input Editor:
In the Options form (shown below), click on Use FE/Pipe Editor During Run. When this checkbox is marked
the FE/Pipe data editor will be displayed prior to any plot or run. The user familiar with FE/Pipe can then make
any changes needed to the input and continue on in the normal run sequence with NozzlePRO. This option is
used most often under the direction of a support engineer to tweak an otherwise unwieldy model. FE/Pipe users
often find generating models in NozzlePRO (especially structural models), convenient, and so use this feature to
build their FE/Pipe input file. The FE/Pipe Editor can also be used to view certain geometry errors that are not
trapped by NozzlePRO. The user can enter the FE editor and then plot the model from the editor data screen. In
some cases error messages will be seen here that were not reported otherwise.
The user can also check all three of the boxes shown below on the Optional data form. The FE/Pipe editor can
then be used to edit and run the model data. The FE/Pipe input file will be saved and the user can continue running
the modified data. Users should only beware that changes made in the NozzlePRO forms will not take effect
when running in this mode.
The recommended procedure for running in this mode follows:
1) Check the Use FE/Pipe Editor During Run and Leave FE/Pipe Data Files boxes. (See above.)
2) Make sure all NozzlePRO input is as close as possible to the desired model.
3) Click Run FE.
4) When the FE/Pipe editor appears make the necessary changes to the model.
5) Select the option SUBMIT for Analysis to exit the FE/Pipe data editor. The run should continue
through to completion if an editing error was not made.
6) The standard NozzlePRO results will appear.
7) To prepare for a second run check the box Use Existing FE/Pipe Input File on the Options data
form.
8) Click Run FE. You will now be put back into the FE/Pipe data editor with the old input. This can
now be modified for a second run.
Using a NozzlePRO ifu file in FE/Pipe:
FE/Pipe input from NozzlePRO for 3d shell elements is stored in the file NOZZLE.IFU. This file is found after a
run has completed in the \<name>\OUTPUT subdirectory. This file may be read into FE/Pipe and used normally
if the latest version of FE/Pipe is installed on the computer. The FE/Pipe input from NozzlePRO for axisymetric
2d and brick models is stored in the file SETUP.IFU also in the \<name>\OUTPUT subdirectory.
To use NozzlePRO with PVElite and CodeCalc several things must happen:
1) You must have a licensed and validated copy of the program. (You should receive a site key and be able to run
NozzlePRO outside of PV Elite or CodeCalc as described in this manual.)
2) You must tell PVElite or CodeCalc where NozzlePRO is loaded. Enter PVElite input menu, choose component
analysis module, that will launch CodeCalc, then under the CodeCalc tools menu, select configuration, then
choose miscellaneous app, and there set the path to the folder where nozzlePRO is installed. This will store the
path for all future runs and will only have to be done once.

Chapter 3 Section 1
Output Review for 3d Shell Models
The general browser output screen appears below:
When first reviewing output always scroll through the plots to be sure that the graphical results look reasonable.
Several examples are given later of results that do not make sense, and should be discarded. The buttons:
can appear in any combination and indicate that 3d rendered images of

the geometry or stress state are available. The 3d rendered images may be interactively rotated, panned and
zoomed. Additionally a thermometer (which appears in the toolbar) can be used to read off the exact value of the
stress at any point in the geometry. The 3d rendered images provide the best way to inspect the calculated stress
state. These plots should be inspected at least once for each run to be sure the results make sense. Distorted
shapes are highly exaggerated but may be scaled using the scale text box and the set scale button.
The available Output Reports are listed and described below:
Model Notes Echoes the model input and gives guidance

FE/Pipe Load Case Report Describes which load cases were setup and run to satisfy Code requirements.
ASME Overstressed Areas Any areas in the model that show to be overstressed are summarized here.
Highest Primary Stress Ratios ASME Section VIII Div.2 primary stresses and allowables. (sustained)
Highest Shakedown Stress Ratios Secondary (non-peak) stresses and allowables.
Highest Fatigue Stress Ratios Expansion/peak stresses and allowables.

Computed Stress Intensification Factors SIFs for use in pipe stress programs.
Allowable Loads Allowable operating, expansion and sustained loads.
Flexibilities Point stiffnesses that would be put back in a beam-type pipe stress program.
FE/Pipe Load Case Report Example: A brief explanation of why the load case was set up is included before
each load case. Referenced Code sections are included.
FE/PIPE Load Case Report
Inner and outer element temperatures are the same

throughout the model. No thermal ratcheting
calculations will be performed.
THE 7 LOAD CASES ANALYZED ARE:
1 Sustained
Sustained case run to satisfy Pl<1.5Sm limit, and

Qb, the bending stress due to primary loads must
be less than 3Smh as per Note 3 of Fig. NB-3222-1,
and Table 4-120.1
/-------- Loads in Case 1

Pressure Case 1
Force Case (Weight)
2 Operating (Fatigue Calc Performed)
Operating case run to compute the extreme operating

stress state to be used in the shakedown and peak
stress calculations.
/-------- Loads in Case 2

Pressure Case 1
Force Case (Operating)
Thermal
ASME Overstressed Areas Example: Hopefully the overstressed areas report contains the note shown here that
there are NO overstressed areas in the model. If it doesnt, the stresses that were found to be in excess of the code
allowables for each region of the model are listed.
ASME Overstressed Areas
**** NO ASME OVERSTRESSED AREAS IN THIS MODEL ****
Highest Primary Stress Ratios Report Example: This is the sustained, or weight plus pressure case in general.
This case is run to guard against collapse or excessive distortion. Usually pressure is the largest component of the
stress. This report is used for pressure design of intersections and can be used to compare against the validity of
the Codes area replacement rules. See Code Case 2236. This is equivalent to the piping engineers sustained
stress report.
Highest Primary Stress Ratios
Branch at Junction
Pl 1.5(k)Smh Primary Membrane Load Case 1

12,969 22,500 Plot Reference:
psi psi 1) Pl < 1.5(k)Smh (SUS,Membrane) Case 1
57%

Highest Secondary Stress Ratios Report Example: This report is used to insure that local (non-peak) stress
states shakedown to elastic action and do not incrementally strain ratchet. (See Bree Diagram Design Methods
for Power Plant Structures, David Burgreen, Arcturus Publishers.)
Highest Secondary Stress Ratios
Header at Junction
Pl+Pb+Q 3(Smavg) Primary+Secondary (Outer) Load Case 2

psi psi 4) Pl+Pb+Q < 3(Smavg) (OPE,Outside) Case 2
12%
Highest Fatigue Stress Ratios Report Example: This requirement is used to ensure that fatigue crack
propagation does not cause component failure at any time during its lifetime. Notice that the number of allowed
cycles is given for the computed peak stress.
Highest Fatigue Stress Ratios
Header at Junction
Pl+Pb+Q+F Sa Primary+Secondary+Peak (Outer) Load Case 2

19,338 45,711 Stress Concentration Factor = 1.350
psi psi Strain Concentration Factor = 1.000
Cycles Allowed for this Stress = 153234.0
42 "B31" Fatigue Stress Allowable = 43750.0
Markl Fatigue Stress Allowable = 41701.0
Plot Reference:
6) Pl+Pb+Q+F < Sa (EXP,Outside) Case 2
Computed Stress Intensification Factor Report Example: The inplane and outplane stress intensification
factors (SIFs) listed in the peak stress category should be put back into a pipe stress program at the section in the
piping model that corresponds to the given diameter and wall thickness. SIFs are cross section dependent! If a
given SIF is less than 1.0 then 1.0 should be used. The computed SIFs are intended to be used for the branch or
nozzle piping only and can (and should) be used in conjunction with the proper flexibility for the intersection.
Computed Stress Intensification Factors

Axial : 1.213 1.162 1.798
Inplane : 1.548 1.451 1.812
Outplane: 2.605 2.451 2.896
Torsion : 0.916 1.102 1.357
Pressure: 6.494 6.068 9.250
Pipe OD : 24.000 in.

Pipe Thk: 8.000 in.
Allowable Loads Report Example: The conservative simultaneous occurring loads should be used as a guide to
limiting PRIMARY and SECONDARY loads on nozzles and branches. The sustained case loads from a pipe
stress run should be compared to the PRIMARY conservative simultaneous allowable loads, and the operating and
expansion case loadings from a pipe stress program should be compared to the SECONDARY conservative
simultaneous allowable loads. Note that the PRIMARY maximum individual occurring pressure can be taken as
the finite element equivalent of the MAWP for the intersection.
Allowable Loads

Axial Force (lb. ) 398030. 120631. 180946.


Pressure (psi ) 344. 111. 111.

Axial Force (lb. ) 618455. 178300. 267450.
Pressure (psi ) 422. 111. 111.
Flexibilities Report Example: These are the stiffnesses of the point springs that should be placed at the
intersection of the branch with the vessel or header surface in a pipe stress program. The two translational
stiffness directions not given should be entered into the pipe stress program as rigid.
Axial Transverse Stiffness = 4107916. lb./in.

Inplane Rotational Stiffness = 23134282. in.lb./deg.
Outplane Rotational Stiffness = 15084985. in.lb./deg.
Torsional Rotational Stiffness = 123430323. in.lb./deg.

Chapter 3 Section 2
Stresses and Allowables
Whenever the user enters weight, operating or occasional loads, the program generates a variety of load cases
designed to satisfy the ASME Section VIII Division 2 Code requirements. Weight, primary, operating, thermal,
occasional and range load cases and allowables are established as needed. The user will find the results of this
activity in the tabulated reports in the left pane of the output window.
ASME Overstressed Areas

Highest Shakedown Stress Ratios
Highest Occasional Stress Ratios
If the stresses in each of these reports are less than the given allowables, then at least one portion of the Codes
requirements have been satisfied. The load cases set up by the program are described in detail in the FE/Pipe
Load Case Report.
Always review the graphical results along with the necessary tabular results! Graphical results that make
sense are a confirmation that the tabular finite element results are correct. Incorrect or invalid tabular results
are almost always accompanied by incorrect, inconsistent or invalid graphical results, and graphical errors are
much easier to spot!
Finite element results are directly comparable to WRC 107 or WRC 297. Membrane stresses in WRC 107 or
WRC 297 are directly comparable to Pl type membrane stresses from a finite element calculation. Membrane plus
bending stresses from WRC 107 and WRC 297 are directly comparable to a (Pl+Pb+Q) outer-fiber stress from a
finite element calculation, and peak stresses (those that include a stress concentration factor) are directly
comparable to a Pl+Pb+Q+F alternating peak stress from a finite element program.
With respect to the piping codes, (Pl) from ASME Section VIII Division 2 is approximately equivalent to the
sustained stress from a pipe stress program, and (Pl+Pb+Q+F) is equivalent to the expansion stress from a pipe
stress program. (Although the sustained stress from a pipe stress program can be interpreted many ways see
Background for the ASME Nuclear Code Simplified Method for Bounding Primary Loads in Piping Systems by
S.E. Moore and E.C. Rodabaugh.)
The following caveats should be noted:
1) Elastic instability due to external pressure and loads is not covered explicitly by the Section VIII Division 2
Rules. Nor are they covered by the B31 piping code rules. The user must recognize conditions where elastic
instability can be a problem. Most common vessel and thin-walled piping geometries are not subject to elastic
instability providing they are designed in accordance with the Code for external pressure. For large openings
subject to heavy loads, and where diameter-to-thickness ratios exceed 100 and external pressure is a design
criteria the designer is urged to exercise caution. The full version of FE/Pipe has several techniques available
for evaluating elastic instability.
2) The ASME Section VIII Division 2 Code provides additional rules (See 4-136.7) for simplified elastic/plastic
analyses. The rules of Section 4-136.7 allow the analyst to apply considerably larger secondary loads to
nozzles without violating the Codes rules, its intent, or the Code desired safety factor against failure. This
evaluation capability is typically NOT used in design. Should the user wish to take advantage of Code rules,
which may permit extremely high secondary loads applied over a limited number of cycles, he should contact
his software representative.
3) Occasional loads that may contribute to cyclic failures should be evaluated in terms of contribution to a cycle
life fraction. Options are available to perform this type of evaluation if the need should exist; for example, the
occasional loads are due to vibrations.
The following gives a brief discussion of the calculated stresses and allowables.

Primary (Sustained) Membrane Stresses: Pl < (1.5)(k)(Smh)

Primary Bending Stresses: Qb < (3.0)(Smh)
Secondary Stresses: Pl+Pb+Q < (3.0)(Smavg) < 2Sy
Peak (Fatigue, or Expansion) Stresses: Pl+Pb+Q+F < Sa < f (1.25(Sc+Sh) < (C) N-0.2
Pl Local membrane stress due to weight and pressure sustained, or primary loads.
k Occasional load factor. 1.0 weight and pressure, 1.2 occasional.
Smh Hot allowable stress
Pl+Pb+Q Secondary stress on inner and outer fibers due to both the range of stresses and the sum of the
primary and secondary stresses. (The range calculation insures elastic shakedown, and the sum
of primary and secondary stresses insures that incremental straining per the Bree diagram will
not occur.)
Smavg The average of the material hot and cold allowables.
Sy The material yield average yield strength.
Pl+Pb+Q+F Peak stresses on the inner or outer fibers due to the range of stresses. This stress will cause a
fatigue crack to occur.
Sa Allowable from the ASME Section VIII Division 2, Appendix 5 allowable stress curve.
Note that this value is computed based on an allowed number of operating load cycles. If not
given this value defaults to 7000 cycles, a value selected by one of the original piping code
developers, A.R.C. Markl, and used in most piping programs worldwide today.
f Cyclic reduction factor based on the number of cycles. f usually starts at 1.0 for 7000
cycles. The empirical expression f = 6N-0.2 can be substituted for f:.
Sc Piping Code Cold allowable stress.
Sh Piping Code Hot allowable stress.
C Constant used in Markls equation for allowable fatigue strength of materials. The value most
commonly used for low carbon steels is 245,000 psi.
Typical primary, secondary, and fatigue stress reports are shown below.
Header at Junction

10%
Branch at Junction

57%
Highest Secondary Stress Ratios
Header at Junction

Pl+Pb+Q 3(Smavg) Primary+Secondary (Outer) Load Case 2

psi psi 4) Pl+Pb+Q < 3(Smavg) (OPE,Outside) Case 2
12%
Branch at Junction
Pl+Pb+Q 3(Smavg) Primary+Secondary (Inner) Load Case 2

psi psi 3) Pl+Pb+Q < 3(Smavg) (OPE,Inside) Case 2
43%
Header at Junction
Pl+Pb+Q+F Sa Primary+Secondary+Peak (Outer) Load Case 2

9% "B31" Fatigue Stress Allowable = 43750.0
Plot Reference:
6) Pl+Pb+Q+F < Sa (EXP,Outside) Case 2
Branch at Junction
Pl+Pb+Q+F Sa Primary+Secondary+Peak (Inner) Load Case 2

30% "B31" Fatigue Stress Allowable = 37500.0
Plot Reference:
5) Pl+Pb+Q+F < Sa (EXP,Inside) Case 2
Each of the reported stresses corresponds with the individual items discussed above. Output is organized on a
region basis. Two typical regions are shown, although usually there are more. Additional regions exist for
thickened, or self-reinforcing nozzles, nozzles with repads, etc. In each case the stress for all regions in the model
must satisfy the Codes requirements. Each reported stress has associated with it a plot reference. The plot
reference can be used to review the distribution of the reported stress over the entire surface of the geometry. In
general the stresses that are computed by a finite element calculation are very local. Only a small region of the
model should show to be red, (or highly stressed). This is the desired stress condition. Very small, high stress
regions plastically deform a small volume of material and redistribute their load to the relatively large elastic
volume surrounding them. These types of higher localized stresses are safe and serve only as a potential site for
a fatigue crack initiation. If a high, secondary stress is distributed broadly over the geometry then it becomes less
safe. Large regions of red are, in general, significantly worse than small, local regions. The plots below
illustrate.

Figure 1 Broadly Distributed Stress Zones The governing stress for the design is distributed over a
significant part of the diameter, that is, greater than 50% of the total circumference.
Figure 2 Local Stress Zones The governing stress for the design is distributed over a fairly small part
of the diameter, that is, much less than 50% of the total circumference.
Structural output is grouped under longitudinal and circumferential plates, depending on the cross section selected.
Each plate has a region described in the output as SCR. The stresses reported in this region are the plate stresses
that are adjacent to a weld zone. SCR stands for Stress Concentration Region. SCR regions exist for plates along
the outside edges of the plate that is adjacent to another construction.

Chapter 3 Section 3
Pressure Design using 3d Shell Elements
Pressure design of nozzle and structural connections near discontinuities in pressure vessels or piping usually
involves satisfying the primary stress rules of the ASME Section VIII Division 2 Appendix 4 Code where the local
membrane stress must be less than 1.5 times the hot allowable stress, and the local primary bending stress, when
added to other secondary (Q) stresses must be less than three times the average of the hot and cold allowable
stress. The ASME Code in Art 4-136 also provides for the use of plastic analysis to relax the rules outlined above,
but these methods are not incorporated into FE/Pipe or NozzlePRO and do not see wide useage today although this
is expected to change. The cyclic effect of pressure is included in the discussions in Appendix 4 and 5, and in
particular in Art 4-6 in that cycling pressure definitely contributes to the Pl+Pb+Q+F alternating peak stress.
Fatigue failures due to external loads in the accompaniment of pressure almost always occur at the toes of fillet
welds. This peak stress is well evaluated in the FE/Pipe shell element model where the stiffness at the intersection
is replicated and the stress at the fillet or radius toe is found in the first element in the parent shell or nozzle away
from the penetration line. When pressure is the major contributor to a cyclic fatigue failure the peak stress often
occurs at the inside corner of the geometry. This stress is not well described by a shell element model that stops at
the fillet toes when the d/t ratio gets smaller. There are several ways to deal with this problem.
1) Calculate the stress at the penetration line and ignore any increase in strength due to fillets.
2) Calculate the stress at the penetration line and include the increase in strength due to fillets, (i.e. taper
the elements.)
3) Adjust the SCF for this problem so that external loads are calculated conservatively, and the pressure
stress is more suitably calculated.
4) Run brick models of the nozzle intersection to compare to the shell calculations to guarantee
conservatism. Brick models do a good job of characterizing the peak compressive stresses on the
inside corner of the thick nozzle geometry well.
Version 4.0 of NozzlePRO lets the user do this brick comparison for nozzles in heads. Version 5.0 will extend this
capability to cylinders. For the time being, only FE/Pipe users have access to this option. PRG is also doing
geometry correlations with brick models in an attempt to develop a correlation for the corner stress increase due to
pressure. An SCF of 1.6 has been used previously as per the suggestion in (3) above. A pressure stress only
button exists on the Options data form that will zero all other loads and compute stresses at the penetration line.
This is included for users wishing to experiment on their own with this effect to determine suitable SCFs.
A portion of a primary stress ratio report is shown below:
Header at Junction

10%
Branch at Junction

57%
Pl is the local primary membrane stress. The allowable for pressure design is 1.5 times the hot allowable stress.
Satisfying these stress allowables for internal pressure tends to produce safety factors against burst in excess of
4.0, and in general will produce safety factors against burst of between 5.0 and 8.0. These results are from tests of
intersections at room temperature. Note that as the Pl limit due to pressure approaches the allowable, the
permissible external primary loads approach zero!

It is not uncommon for pressure failures to occur during hydrotest. ASME Section VIII Division 2 limits the
general primary membrane and primary membrane plus bending stress intensity limits during test in AD-151.1:
Pm < 90% Sy (at test temperature)

Pm+Pb < 1.35 Sy for Pm < 0.67 Sy
Pm+Pb < 2.15Sy 1.2Pm for Pm > 0.67Sy and Pm <= 0.9Sy (Sy at test temperature)
Unfortunately, the Pm and Pb stresses are NOT the stresses found at discontinuities, for example, nozzles. The
discontinuity stress components Pl and Q will clearly be higher than the general membrane stress intensities.
Certainly, however, we may say that if we replace Pm with Pl, and Pm+Pb with Pl+Pb+Q in the above limits, and
satisfy them, then the Code requirements for hydrotest are satisfied. The user may indeed make this comparison
by hand. Unfortunately, the hydostatic test pressure may still be satisfactory if these conservative limits are not
satisfied. Including pressure stiffening in FE/Pipe may reduce this conservatism some. A few tests have shown that
a reduction in higher d/t intersections of about 10% can be expected due to pressure stiffening. When substituting
Pm with Pl to check AD-151.1 the value of Pl must be calculated using the hydrotest pressure, not the
design pressure!
Problems generally occur in several recognized situations:
1) Code Area Replacement rules are taken to the limit, i.e., area required = area available.
2) The branch to vessel thickness ratio is approximately 1.0, i.e., t/T=1.0
3) The opening is a hillside or lateral connection.
4) Pl > 72% of the allowable. (In the design case.)
5) Calculated values for Pl or Qb are broad in extent. (See Figure 1 above.)
6) Larger D/T openings and larger d/D openings. (D/T>80, and d/D>0.7)
7) Weak blink flanges are suspected of being an accomplice, but no immediate test data is available.
The above does not imply that there will always be problems in these situations, but these are the general cases
where hydrotest problems such as bursting or distortion have been observed. Full versions of FE/Pipe can read in
the NozzlePRO input files and perform a simplified plastic analysis if necessary to assure that highly stressed
areas are indeed local in nature, i.e. local plasticity redistributes loads to low stress regions.

Chapter 3 Section 4
Stress Intensification Factors and Flexibilities
A typical Stress Intensification Factor Report is given below:
Computed Stress Intensification Factors

Axial : 1.213 1.162 1.798
Inplane : 1.548 1.451 1.812
Outplane: 2.605 2.451 2.896
Torsion : 0.916 1.102 1.357
Pressure: 6.494 6.068 9.250
The above stress intensification factors are to be used

in a beam-type analysis of the piping system. Inplane,
Outplane and Torsional sif's should be used with the
matching branch pipe whose diameter and thickness is given
below. The axial sif should be used to intensify the
axial stress in the branch pipe calculated by F/A. The
pressure sif should be used to intensify the nominal
pressure stress in the PARENT or HEADER, calculated
from PD/2t.
Pipe OD : 24.000 in.

Pipe Thk: 8.000 in.
Z approx: 1608.494 cu.in.
Z exact : 1340.412 cu.in.
B31.3
Peak Stress Sif .... 0.000 Axial
1.054 Inplane
1.138 Outplane
1.000 Torsional
B31.1
1.000 Inplane
1.000 Outplane
1.000 Torsional
WRC 330
1.000 Inplane
1.500 Outplane
1.000 Torsional
Notes:
1) For input into most pipe stress programs only the Inplane and Outplane Peak stress intensification factor
can be used. (Markl testing done in the 50s concentrated on only these loading directions.) Axial and
pressure stress intensification factors are given for reference, and for the case where any of these loads cycle
in a critical situation and the actual magnitude of the resulting stress should be estimated. (Most piping
program users will have to make that evaluation by hand.)
2) Stress intensification factors (SIFs) are paired with a section modulus! The piping program user should
apply the SIFs at the cross section whose OD and thickness match those given in the SIF reports above.
3) The values printed under the headings: B31.3, B31.1 and WRC 330 are given for reference. (WRC 330 was
released as WRC 329.)
4) In cases where the nozzle thickness is significantly greater than the header or vessel thickness SIFs can
become quite large, often in excess of 20. Many piping engineers are not used to seeing SIFs of this
magnitude. The reason for this is that most piping programs print only the Code calculated i factor when
generating reports, but then adjust it (according to the effective section modulus rules in the piping code)
before making the stress calculation by the ratio of t/T, where t is the thickness of the branch and T is the
thickness of the header. Clearly, where t >> T, the multiplication of i by t/T produces a significantly larger
value for the actual stress intensification factor. The stress intensification factors given in the finite element
reports shown above are already multiplied by t/T where applicable.
5) When the calculated SIF, or i factor, is less than 1.0, the value of 1.0 should be used. In general, this means
that the component is stronger in fatigue than a girth butt weld but since the actual locations of girth butt
welds are not specified in most fossil-petrochemical type pipe stress programs the Code user is penalized by
being required to treat every pipe section as if it were a girth butt weld.
6) The approximate section modulus calculation given above is found from the expression (3.14)(r2)(t), where r
is the mean radius of the pipe and t is the thickness.
Stress Intensification Factors are generated typically for a vessel or large pipe connection and provided to a pipe
stress engineer for use in a piping program. Pipe stress engineers are generally interested in these values since the
B31.3 Code has published restrictive guidelines for use of the standard Code Stress Intensification Factors, eg::
B31.3 Table D300 Note (1) Stress intensification and flexibility factor data .. are for use in the
absence of more directly applicable data their validity has been demonstrated for D/T <= 100.
B31.3 Table D300 Note (12) The out-of-plane stress intensification factor for a reducing branch
connection with 0.5 < d/D < 1.0 may be nonconservative. Selection of the appropriate SIF is the
designers responsibility.
A typical Flexibility Factor Report is given below.

Flexibilities
The following stiffnesses should be used in a piping,

"beam-type" analysis of the intersection. The stiff-
nesses should be inserted at the surface of the
branch/header or nozzle/vessel junction. The general
characteristics used for the branch pipe should be:
Outside Diameter = 24.000 in.

Wall Thickness = 8.000 in.
Axial Transverse Stiffness = 4107916. lb./in.

Inplane Rotational Stiffness = 23134282. in.lb./deg
Outplane Rotational Stiffness = 15084985. in.lb./deg
The following stiffness(es) were not generated because

of errors in input or because the finite element model
is stiffer than the piping model.
Torsional Rotational Stiffness
The factors given in this report are intended to be used as referenced in ASME Section III NB-3686.5. This
Nuclear Code section instructs the user to insert a Rigid Length between the centerline of the header pipe or
vessel and the surface of the header or vessel at the point where the nozzle penetrates. Point springs, having the
stiffnesses given above, should be inserted at that point between two 6 degree-of-freedom piping nodes, one on the
end of the rigid, and the other on the end of the branch or nozzle. Stiffnesses not calculated should be made rigid.
This is generally the two shear, translational directions, that is, the user must add two additional rigid translational
stiffnesses between the two nodes described above that are mutually perpendicular to the flexible axial direction of
the nozzle.
In the flexibility factor report given above, the Torsional Rotational Stiffness was found to be stiffer or the same in
the finite element model as in the beam model of the intersection. When this is true, the beam model alone,
without stiffnesses, should suffice, and the user should enter a rigid stiffness between the two nodes for the rigid
degree of freedom.
The finite element stiffnesses are generated automatically during the calculation by constructing a beam model of
the intersection that includes the Rigid Length described above. The stiffnesses are computed such that the
results from the finite element calculation match the results from the beam program when the stiffnesses are
inserted into back into the beam model. There is no rigid length for head flexibilities. The point spring should be
put at the surface of the nozzle to the head.
The displacement and forces associated with each direction for a hillside nozzle are shown in the figure below

Hillside Directions Outplane Exaggerated Displacements (View from Top)
Inplane Exaggerated Displacement (Side View) Inplane Exaggerated Displacement (Top View)
Axial Exaggerated Displacement (Top View)

Recommended Beam Model to Include Hillside Stiffnesses
The RYY is the inplane direction, and the RZZ is the outplane rotational direction. The Outplane Stiffness would
be inserted between nodes 15 and 20 in the RZZ direction, and the Inplane Stiffness would be inserted between
nodes 15 and 20 in the RYY direction.
Since an axial force on the nozzle tends to produce a radial displacement of the nozzle coupled with an RY
rotation the axial stiffness is often omitted. If the user wishes to include it, then the axial stiffness computed from
NozzlePRO can be inserted between 15 and 20 in the radial direction with all other translational stiffness
directions rigid. (The radial direction being defined by the 10-to-15 axial element direction.) Rigid element
constructions to produce the observed translational and rotational displacement coupling due to the axial force can
be conceived.
It is always interesting to compare finite element results to the industry standards that have been used successfully
for years. For flexibilities, the most readily available documents have been WRC 297 and NB3685. The general-
purpose version of FE/Pipe provides both of these calculations for direct comparison with the finite element result.
For a d/D intersection of 0.5 and d/t=D/T=50, the comparisons are shown below:
Stiffness Direction: WRC 297 NB 3685 Finite Element

Inplane Rotational **RIGID** 117,700,000 2,022,641
Outplane Rotational 224,800 33,290,000 448,588
Axial 3,069,000 N/A 798,896

Chapter 3 Section 5
Allowable Loads
A typical allowable load report is given below.
Allowable Loads

Axial Force (lb. ) 398030. 120631. 180946.
Pressure (psi ) 344. 111. 111.

Axial Force (lb. ) 618455. 178300. 267450.
Pressure (psi ) 422. 111. 111.
Notes:
1) Maximum Individual Occurring Loads are the maximum allowed values of the respective loads if all other
load components are zero. For example, a primary (or sustained) axial force of 618,455 lb. will not overstress
the above nozzle if all other loads and pressure are zero.
2) The Maximum Individual Occurring Primary Pressure can be taken as a finite element calculation of
the MAWP for the nozzle.
3) The Conservative Allowable Simultaneous loads are the set of loads that can be applied simultaneously
without overstressing the nozzle. Usually the Conservative Allowable Simultaneous Loads are used to
compare against the results of a pipe stress program. The Sustained Loads on the nozzle or branch are
compared against the PRIMARY allowables, and the Operating or Expansion Loads on the nozzle or branch
are compared against the SECONDARY allowables. Occasional Loads plus Sustained Loads can be
compared to the PRIMARY allowables times the occasional load multiplier for the Code of choice, for
example (1.2) for ASME Section VIII Division 2, and (1.33) for B31.3, etc. It is expected that the
simultaneous application of the Conservative Allowable Simultaneous Loads will produce stresses that are
approximately 60- to 70% of the allowable.
4) The Realistic Allowable Simultaneous loads are the maximum loads that can be applied simultaneously.
These loads are based on experience at Paulin Research and are expected to produce stresses that are closer to
100% of the allowable. Users wishing to use the Realistic Allowables, however, should do further
investigation to assure that all Code limits are properly satisfied.
5) Secondary allowable loads are based on the principles of elastic shakedown, incremental ratcheting, and
fatigue. The number of operating cycles may influence these allowables, if fatigue governs the allowable load
value.

Chapter 3 Section 6
Discussion of Results (Recommended Ways to Use the Output)
Output appears in the browser window as shown below. Any web browser can be used, but the program output
has been checked most thoroughly on Microsofts Internet Explorer.
Figure 3 Example Output
The screen contains three major areas:
1) Tabular Result Area (On the left side of the screen.)

2) Plot Title Area (In the upper right.)
3) Plot Display Area (In the bottom right.)
The design is intended to facilitate the Code Stress evaluation procedure which involves primarily:
1) Validating that the stress patterns make sense i.e., reviewing graphical plots of stress results.
2) Making sure that the Code stress limits are satisfied.
3) Evaluating the extent of the stress state, i.e., is a local stress really local?
The tabular output also provides other useful information such as:
1) Allowable nozzle loads.

2) Nozzle Stress Intensification Factors (For use in a pipe stress program.)
3) Nozzle Flexibilities (Also for use in a pipe stress program.)
The reports are designed to be printed from each frame. Click on the File menu and then page setup. Portrait
mode is selected typically. Adjust the top and bottom margins as needed to get two plots per page. For most
reports, the leftmost frame is printed to obtain a tabular form of the results, and the bottom-right frame is printed to
obtain the corresponding graphical form of the results.
When reviewing output it is recommended to first visually validate the model. This involves moving the mouse to
the slide bar on the right side of the screen, (opposite the graphical plot), and pulling it down slowly moving past

the stress and displacement images. Each image should be studied for consistency. Questions that should be
asked are:
1) Does the model look reasonable?

2) Is the vessel or pipe orientation correct? If the orientation is not correct the loads probably arent either.
3) Do the stresses make sense? An engineer or designer has a good idea what a pattern of stresses should look
like. A good stress plot for the model above is shown below:
Figure 4 Reasonable Stress Patterns
High stresses exist as would be expected in the sustained case around the knuckle of the dished head. In fact, these
stresses are of the same magnitude as the stresses in the nozzle. We can see this by noticing red regions close to
the nozzle on the minus X side and close to the pad on the plus X side. This is the stress pattern we would
expect from X and Z direction bending moments. The sustained loads that produced the above stress state are
shown below:
FX FY FZ MX MY MZ
1057 -1323 -2333 230000 9833 123400
Other characteristics of a reasonable stress plot are as follows:
1) The stresses should not seem to congregate around element boundaries. The stresses do not know where
element boundaries are in a finite element model. They should not artificially collect at these locations. FE/Pipe
does not average shell stresses. This makes it easier for the user to tell when the stress state is not a good one. If
the stresses localize themselves artificially around element geometries then something is wrong. Examples of
bad stress states are shown below:
Figure 5 Errant Stress Patterns.
1. In the left figure the stresses are clearly segregated inconsistently around element borders. (This tends to occur
with extremely thick geometries.) In the right figure, the highest stress is shown to exist at the top of the

spherical head at a small modeling opening. In the left figure, the stresses will have a much greater error than
normally expected. In the right figure, the errant stresses at the top of the head must be ignored.
2. Stress distributions due to bending moments show the characteristic high stress values on either side of the
bending axis.
3. Stress distributions due to torsional moments show a uniform stress state in the nozzle.
4. Pressure stresses are often highest on the inside and in the longitudinal plane. The exception is repads where
the highest stress may be at the edge of the repad and in the circumferential plane.
5. Stresses should be highest at the nozzle/shell junction. High stresses at boundary conditions, or artificial
model entities (like the high stress at the hole shown above) should be ignored.
Whereas considerable effort has been expended to make sure that solutions are generated for every range of nozzle
to vessel geometry, pad size, thickness and orientation, there will be problems where errant solutions are
generated. In almost all cases errant solutions can be found by looking at the stress-state and applying common
sense. If the stresses make sense then the solution is probably correct. If they do not, then there may be a
problem, and the solution should not be used until the question is resolved.
An example poorly generated mesh plot appears below. The result from this calculation clearly should not be
used.
Figure 6 Incorrect Element Mesh Layout
Plots may show titles such as: 6) Pl+Pb+Q+F < Sa (SIF outside). Whenever a plot label is shown with the
words SIF in the title, the plot has been generated only to show the distribution of stress due to a single load
direction. There will be no stress legend, because the magnitude of the stress is unknown. Only the distribution of
the stress is known. These plots are used typically to direct inspections or to validate that a particular failure was
caused by an individual load. For example, an out-plane SIF plot is shown in the figure below:
Figure 7 SIF Plot

There is no stress legend shown because the magnitude of the stress is not known. From this plot the user knows
only that an out-plane moment on this nozzle will produce a high stress in the nozzle neck just above the weld.
Any inspection should concentrate on this area if the out-plane moments on the nozzle are known to be high.

Chapter 4 Section 1
When to Use NozzlePRO Saddles & Pipe Shoes
Horizontal Vessels
Typically, horizontal vessels are designed using the methods presented by L.P. Zick. Although widely used, Zicks
methods do not provide means for a full analysis including all expected loads, both internal and external. The
following are several instances where Zicks methods are not appropriate for analysis:
Axial loads (Internal splashing, earthquake loads, wind loads, expansion)

Transverse loads (Internal splashing, earthquake loads, wind loads)
Cyclic loadings for fatigue analysis
Wear plate geometries beyond the scope of Zicks recommendations (b +10t, etc)
Evaluation of stresses for non-integral wear plate geometries.
Saddle support member stresses.
The most significant shortcoming of Zicks methods is the lack of design methods for axial or transverse external
saddle loads. Axial loads are becoming increasingly important as seismic codes increase the loadings and more
vessels are built for offshore applications. Until now, there has not been a simple and direct tool for the evaluation
of stresses in the vessel and saddle support caused by external loads.
NozzlePRO eliminates the need to develop approximations for stresses caused by axial or transverse loads. These
subjects have never been fully addressed due to the complexity of the interaction between the saddle and vessel.
Most research and theoretical work has focused on the same problem addressed by Zick: stresses caused by dead
loads and pressure. With only a few entries, NozzlePRO reduces a complex problem to a simple solution. From an
engineering and design aspect, NozzlePRO will save time and money by eliminating the often confusing and
inconsistent methods used to analyzed external loads on horizontal vessels. Instead of focusing on how to solve the
problem of external loads, engineers can now spend time optimizing designs while gaining greater confidence in the
end results.
The basic concept behind the NozzlePRO saddle models is that the engineer can fully capture all load conditions
while only using one-half of the symmetric vessel in the analysis. The user should include self-weight, liquid head,
and external loads applied to the saddle base plate. In addition, it is important to always check the hydraulic case
(full of liquid, no internal pressure) since this will usually result in the greatest stresses.
In general, NozzlePRO results for primary plus secondary stresses (Pl+Pb+Q) will correlate best with Zicks
predictions for circumferential bending stress at the horn of the saddles. For most cases, NozzlePRO results will
likely predict more conservative stresses than give by Zick. A discussion on the reasons is presented later.
At PRG, we are currently implementing several new features and conducting full scale testing to verify the models
produced in NozzlePRO. Look for features such as bearing stresses in non-integral wear plates, internal and
external stiffening rings, and full encirclement saddles in upcoming releases.
Pipe Shoes
Pipe shoes are routinely designed using simplified methods and approximations such as line loads, distributed
bending loads, and various WRC type calculations. However, with NozzlePRO no approximations or assumptions
are necessary any longer. Nearly any geometry can be easily analyzed. NozzlePRO should be used for pipe shoe
analyses when:
High reaction loads are acting upon pipe shoe and piping.
Cyclic loading at the pipe shoe is evident.
Axial loads present with restrained base plate.
To evaluate flexibility of pipe shoe for reduced piping stresses.
Large D/t piping where full encirclement saddles are not applied.

Chapter 4 Section 2
Saddle and Pipe Shoe Input Screens and Saddle Wizard
An example saddle model is shown below. To begin a model, just select the base shell type CYLINDER and the
Nozzle/Attachment Type SADDLE or PIPE SHOE. For the cylinder, the only required entries are outside
diameter and wall thickness. However, for horizontal vessels it is recommended that one-half the vessel length is
specified. The remaining entries for saddle dimensions are shown below. Note that the wear plate is optional and
not required to perform an analysis. Other entries such as loads and materials follow the same format and
methodology as for nozzles and other attachments. Building pipe shoes requires nearly the same procedure as for
saddles.
Once the general geometry has been established, use the Saddle / Shoe Options screen for additional control over the
support design and loading options. The following are a few general suggestions that have been shown to provide
good results:
For horizontal vessels, use one half the tangent length for the cylinder and Symmetric load option
For pipe shoes, use default NozzlePRO length and loads applied to saddle, far-end and near-end fixed
load option.
Deactivate elemental smoothing in the OPTIONS screen.
Apply axial or transverse loads only to the saddle or pipe shoe base plate, not to far-end of model
Evaluate axial loads in both directions to see interaction with other loads (dead load, pressure)
Include self-weight and liquid weight when these are a significant factor
Do not apply a crude mesh multiplier for non-integral wear plates
If internal liquid is part of load case, do not include pressure since it will reduce stresses at saddle horn
by minimizing the circumferential bending.

Saddle / Shoe Options Form

Most of the saddle and pipe shoe modifications will be performed through the Saddle/Shoe options screen shown
below. These options are available by clicking OPTIONS in the main screen, and then clicking Saddle / Shoe
Options located in the lower right corner.

MODEL OPTIONS
Use Non-Integral Wear Pad

When a wear plate is specified in the main screen, the default model is an integral wear pad. An integral wear pad
model simply increases the thickness of the shell elements within the region of the wear pad. Here, the total
thickness will be the specified vessel wall thickness plus the wear plate thickness. However, the mean radius of the
vessel will remain unchanged.
A non-integral wear pad model creates a separate surface that represents the individual geometry of the wear pad.
The non-integral wear pad is joined to the parent shell along the free edges of the wear pad. Thus, forces are only
transmitted through the edges of the wear pad. With the non-integral wear pad it is assumed that the wear pad and
vessel are not in contact except along the perimeter of the wear pad. All webs plates are attached to the wear plate
only; they are not attached to the vessel shell. Currently, it is assumed that the non-integral wear plate and vessel do
not bear against one another. However, work is currently underway at PRG to implement bearing stresses between
the non-integral wear plates and vessel.
When using the non-integral wear pad model, the global mesh multiplier should usually not be less than 1.0. A
global mesh multiplier less than 1.0 will likely cause the small weld elements that connect the wear pad to the vessel
to collapse. These collapsed elements will cause the analysis to abort and report an error. In some instances, very
thin non-integral wear pads used in large diameter vessels might result in numerical instabilities in the stiffness
matrix. Such a condition is caused by the small numeric coefficients of the weld elements in relation to the large
numeric coefficients of the overall geometry.
See the Integral and Non-Integral Wear Plate Comparison section for a more detailed discussion of the wear
plate options.

Elements along Saddle/Shoe Height

This optional entry allows the user to specify the number of elements along the vertical edge of the web plates. The
default value is typically sufficient.
Fix Rotations of Saddle Base Plate

The default is for fixed longitudinal rotation of the base plate. Alternatively, the user may wish to allow rotation to
evaluate the effects.
Material Density
Used on only when the self-weight of the horizontal vessel or pipe is to be included in the analysis. This should
only be used when using the Symmetric load option to model one-half of an axisymmetric vessel or pipe. Units are
(lb/in3) and (kg/m3).
Liquid Height from Bottom of Vessel

Used only when the liquid head is to included in the analysis of a horizontal vessel or pipe. This entry should only
be used when modeling one-half of an axisymmetric vessel or pipe.
Specific Gravity
When a liquid height is specified, the specific gravity must also be included. Enter the specific gravity of the liquid
in this text box.
Include Material and Fluid Weight

If self-weight and liquid weight is to be included in the analysis, this option must be marked. This option should be
used if the recommended Symmetric load option is to be used.
Gravity Multiplier
This option allows the user to input various gravity loads in the global X, Y, and Z coordinate directions. Instances
where GX and GZ might be applied is for the evaluation of seismic or ocean transport.

SADDLE OPTIONS
Circumferential Flange Plate Location

Used to specify the location of the circumferential web plate in the saddle support. Options include placing a flange
plate at the front, back, middle, front and middle, and back and middle.
Distance from front boundary condition to support centerline.

Specifies the distance from the front end of the model to the centerline of the support. This is comparable to the
dimension A in Zicks analysis for horizontal vessels. As recommended in most references, this value should not
exceed one quarter of the vessels tangent length.

Width of saddle at base plate

This option is used indicate the transverse width of the saddle at the base plate.
Circumferential plate thickness

If the circumferential plate is a different thickness than the web plates, then the user may enter the appropriate value
in this field.
Axial length of saddle at base plate

This entry provides the user the ability to designate a tapered saddle design as shown below.
Axial base plate location

The axial base plate location options allow the user to designate the direction of the axially tapered saddle. This
option can be used to taper the saddle towards the head (Front of Saddle), the midspan (Back of Saddle), or a
symmetric taper about the support centerline (Middle of Saddle). The figure above would be created by selecting
Back of Saddle.

SHOE OPTIONS
Distance from Front Boundary Condition to Support Centerline (Pipe Shoe Option)
Specify the distance from the front end of the model to the centerline of the support. For pipe shoes located in a
continuous run of pipe, it is best to locate the pipe shoe in the center of the geometry.
Width of Shoe at Base Plate

This option is used to specify the transverse width of the shoe near the base plate. Transversely tapered pipe shoes
can be generated using this option.
Number of Longitudinal Plates

An optional entry that allows the user to specify the number of longitudinal plates contained in the pipe shoe. See
the figure below for details.
End Plate Location

Selecting one or more of the options allows transverse end plates to be placed at the front side, back side, or middle
of the pipe shoe. See the figure above for details.

LOAD OPTIONS
Load Options
Five various load conditions are provided. When horizontal vessels are to be analyzed, the Symmetric load option is
the recommended (and default) load option. However, the Symmetric load option will require modeling half of a
symmetric horizontal vessel. The remaining four load options should only be used for pipe shoe models, not
horizontal pressure vessels.
Symmetric Far-End, Axial Forces on Saddle, Weight and Pressure Recommended for Horizontal Vessels
Most often, horizontal vessels are symmetric about their midspan. When modeling a symmetric horizontal
vessel, this load option is the recommended selection. The resulting model should produce identical
stresses and deflections in comparison to a full model of the horizontal vessel. The advantage is the
significantly reduced computation time.
IMPORTANT
For axisymmetric modeling, the cylinder length must be one-half the tangent length
of the vessel. Self-weight, any liquid head, and pressure must also be included.
Since the model is to intended represent a vessel with symmetry about the midspan, self-weight and any
liquid head must be included in the model. If axial saddle loads are present, these should be entered into
the Loads screen, accessible through the main NozzlePRO screen.
To allow deflection and ovaling of the shell, a SYMFIX boundary condition is applied at the midspan. The
SYMFIX boundary condition fixes only axial translation and local in-plane rotation of the shell. In
addition, the saddle is modeled as a guided sliding saddle with only X-direction translation free. By
default, rotations of the base plate are also fixed. However, rotations may be freed using the appropriate
option switch located in the Saddle / Shoe Options screen.
Forces on Saddle/Shoe Front End and Far End fixed.

This is the recommended load option for pipe shoe analysis. It readily approximates the conditions for a
continuous run of pipe with internal pressure. For saddle supported vessels, this option would only be used
if the saddles are located far enough from a head support to ensure no interaction between the head and
saddle region. Since such a condition does not routinely exist, it is not recommended to use this load
option for saddle supported vessels.
This loading option applies the specified forces to the base plate of the saddle/shoe. Loads should be
specified in the Nozzle Loads screen, accessible through the main NozzlePRO screen. The front end (near
end) is fixed against transverse and rotational movement, but free for axial translations. The front is end
typically referred to as PFIX in FE/PIPE since it allows the model to generate PD/4t stresses. The back end
is fixed against all translations and rotations.

Forces on Saddle/Shoe Front End Head, Far End Fixed.

With this option, loads are applied to the base plate of the saddle or shoe. Loads should be applied using
the Nozzle Loads screen available through the main NozzlePRO interface. Options for heads at the front
end include elliptical, hemispherical, and flat heads. The far end is fully fixed for all degrees of freedom.
Forces on Far End - Saddle/Shoe Fixed, Front End Head

Forces are applied to the far end of the vessel through a rigid end cap. In addition, the far end is free for
translational displacements, but fixed against any rotations. The saddle is fixed against all rotations and
translations. However, saddle rotations may be allowed through the Fix Rotations of Saddle Base Plate
option. At the front end, the users choice of head is created.
Forces on Far End - Saddle/Shoe Fixed, Front End Fixed

For this load option, forces are applied to the far end of the model through a rigid end cap. Here,
translations are allowed, but rotation is fixed. The saddle or pipe shoe base plate is fixed against translation
and rotation unless rotations are freed with the Fix Rotations of Saddle Base Plate option. A PFIX
boundary condition is applied to the front end of the model. PFIX fixes all rotations and translations except
for axial movement. PFIX also allows the PD/4t pressure loads to be developed in the model.
FRONT HEAD OPTIONS
Front End Head Type

Here, the user picks which type of head will be applied to the front end of the model. This only applies for Load
Options that implement heads at the front-end of the model.
Head Thickness
This option allows for cases where the head thickness is different than the cylinder thickness. If no entry is made,
the default thickness is automatically taken as follows:
Spherical = 1/2 x Cylinder Thickness,

Elliptical = Cylinder Thickness,
Flat = 6 x Cylinder Thickness.

Saddle Wizard
When Selecting the Saddle Option in the Nozzle/ Attachment Type section you will be asked if you want to use the
saddle wizard to build your model. Select Yes to begin the wizard.
Axial Taper
There are four different types of axial tapers to choose from. Select the desired Axial Taper and click on NEXT.

Transverse Taper
There are three different types of Transverse Tapers to choose from. Select the desired Transverse Taper and click
on NEXT.
General Dimensions
Enter the dimensions and click on NEXT.

Saddle Dimensions
Enter the saddle dimensions and click on NEXT.
Wear Plate
If using a wear plate select Yes and there is also an option of using a Non-Integral Wear Plate. Enter the
dimensions and click on NEXT.

Gusset Plates
Chose the number of Gussets and enter the thickness and click on NEXT.
Web Plate Data
There are four options for the Circumferential Web Plates. Select and option and enter the Thickness and click on
NEXT.

Internal Loads
Enter the Internal Loads and click on NEXT.

Analysis Type
There are three options for the analysis type, each with a description in the widow below the options. If option 1 is
chosen the wizard will skip the External Loads section. If options 2 or 3 are chosen the External Loads section will
not be skipped. The user should refer to the descriptions provided for each option when deciding how to proceed.
Choose the option and click on NEXT
NOTE Option #2 is not typically recommended for the analysis of saddle supported geometries subjected to
external loads or accelerations. The reason is that only one-half of the vessel will be created with a rigid boundary
condition at the mid-span which will restrict ovalization. This restriction will inhibit the actual deformation which a
saddle supported geometry will experience during operation, leading to inaccurate solutions. The user should use
Option #3 if external loads are present or Option #1 if no external loads are to be included.
External Loads - Option 2
If option 2 was chosen then enter the external loads described below and click on NEXT.

External Loads - Option 3
If option 3 is chosen then enter the external loads described below and click on NEXT.
Materials
Enter the Material for the Vessel. If the Saddle Material is different than the Vessel Material deselect the Saddle
Material same as Vessel Material option and enter the Saddle Material and click on NEXT.

After completing the saddle wizard there will be four options. Select the option to finish with the wizard.

Chapter 4 Section 3
Applications of the Saddle / Shoe Modeler
The saddle and shoe options have been provided to allow fast and efficient modeling of a wide range of support
configurations. In most instances, the stresses around the saddle horn or pipe shoe are the primary concern. To
ensure consistent results when modeling, the following sections provide some guidance and suggested methods.
Suggested Modeling Method for Horizontal Vessels

When horizontal vessels are symmetric about their midspan, the recommended method for modeling is to use the
Symmetric load option. The Symmetric load option allows the user to create an axisymmetric model of the
horizontal vessel. By axisymmetric, it is meant that one-half of the full length vessel should be modeled. At the
midspan, NozzlePRO uses a SYMFIX boundary condition that will allow for ovaling and deflection equivalent to
that found in a full model. Other load options will not allow for ovaling at the midspan and will provide inconsistent
results. The influence of ovaling and symmetric modeling can be seen in the following figures.
One-half Vessel Modeled with Load Applied at Far End. Notice there is no ovaling at midspan.
Full Vessel Modeled with Self-weight and Filled with Water.

(FE/PIPE Required)

Symmetric Vessel Load Option Using NozzlePRO

Self-weight and full of water.
The important point to note from the displaced figures is that the load options other than the SYMMETRIC load
option do not allow for dilation, or ovaling, of the vessel at the midspan boundary condition. As can be seen in the
upper displaced model view, the midspan remains circular. In comparison, the middle figure shows that the cross
section does not remain circular when the entire vessel is modeled full of liquid using FE/PIPE. The last figure
shows was generated using the Symmetric load option and produced the same deflected shape and stresses. Ovaling
at the midspan of horizontal vessels is a significant characteristic of large L/D*t vessels. Notice that in the first
figure, the midspan boundary conditions hold the section circular and push the ovaling further towards the saddle.
As the ovaling nears the saddle, the increased rotations and displacements will tend to produce more conservative
results.
It is not recommended to allow NozzlePRO to calculate the default length for horizontal vessels. The default length
will provide varying results depending on the type of load options used. When modeling less than half of a
symmetric vessel, the results will vary dependent upon the length, diameter, and thickness of the vessel. When
using less than one-half the tangent length , the results for horizontal vessel full of liquid become increasingly
conservative as the vessel ratio L/D*t increases. High values of L/D*t represent long, thin walled, large diameter
vessels. For these configurations the load options used in NozzlePRO will tend to produce deflections around the
saddle horn in excess of those found in the full model. However, lower ratios of L/D*t have been shown to produce
lower stresses than those found in symmetric models.
Suggested Modeling Method for Pipe Shoes

Pipes supported on pipe shoes will show similar behavior as described above for horizontal vessels. While
horizontal vessels should only use the SYMMETRIC load option, pipes may be evaluated using any of the load
options. The results will vary slightly depending on the load option used. For example, applying loads to the Far-
End might not have the same effect as applying the loads to the pipe shoe. The user must evaluate the various load
options, stress fields, and deformed shapes to determine the best load option for their particular piping arrangement.
The best approach is to try and model the pipe and pipe shoe just as it will behave in the real world. Significant
distributed loads should be modeled as such. If the base plate is fixed or has sliding friction, then model the external
loads at the base plate. Also, boundary conditions should be representative of the actual model. Guided and sliding
saddles should be modeled with the appropriate boundary conditions to simulate the same behavior.
Large D/t piping supported on pipe shoes could likely see the same ovaling shapes as shown for horizontal vessels.
In these cases, the user may elect to use the FE/PIPE editor to place a SYMFIX boundary conditions on both ends of
the piping to allow ovalization on each side of the pipe support. However, the entire model will be locked against
axial translations when using two SYMFIX boundary conditions since SYMFIX does not permit axial translation.

Liquid Loads and Internal Pressure

Typically, the hydraulic case (liquid only, no pressure) will cause the greatest stresses at the horn of the saddle.
Circumferential stresses are greatest when the hydraulic case is taken with the vessel fully filled with liquid. The
liquid head will cause the shell to slump over the horn of the saddle. However, when internal pressure is included,
the bending will tend to straighten out and the saddle horn stresses will be reduced. Of course this will not be true
for cases where the pressure stress alone is greater than the hydraulic stress. Considering these facts, the hydraulic
case (no pressure) should always be analyzed. Since most horizontal vessels will be hydro-tested after fabrication,
the full hydraulic case can not be disregarded. Often, hydrotest liquid loads can be significantly greater than the
operating loads. For example, a horizontal vessel designed for gas only might be highly stresses during hydrotest if
the liquid loads are not considered in advance.
Axial Loads
Many horizontal vessels are subject to sloshing loads or axial loads caused by a variety of sources. Most governing
design codes, including ASME and a host of seismic codes require the designer to consider the effects of all
potential loads including those produced by seismic activity. Thus, any horizontal vessel located in a seismic zone
should be analyzed for potential sloshing loads caused by seismic activity.
In off-shore applications, horizontal vessels are continuously exposed to sloshing loads. These repetitive sloshing
loads require the designer to consider the fatigue life of the vessel. While certain assumptions and closed-form
solutions can be developed, NozzlePRO offers direct evaluation of any directional load acting on a horizontal vessel.
SPLASH, a 2D free surface CFD modeler available from PRG, can quickly calculate the realistic sloshing loads
acting on horizontal vessels. Assuming the full weight of the internal liquid is accelerated all at once is a simple
assumption sometimes made. However, this can lead to very conservative designs, especially when fatigue life is a
concern.
Two cases should be run, one with the axial load in positive X-direction and one for axial load in negative X-
direction. When loaded by self-weight and liquid loads, the saddle will have the highest circumferential bending
stress concentrated to one side of the saddle horn. Thus, the axial load will either increase the stresses at the saddle
horn or decrease the stress depending if the axial load is working with or against self-weight and liquid weight.

From the stress plot above, it is clear that the saddle stiffeners must be designed to accommodate the high bending
stresses caused by the axial loads. In addition, this plot shows that the stresses around the saddle horn remain the
highest in the vessel wall. Evaluation of several horizontal vessels subject to axial load has shown that the stresses
near the bottom of the vessel will not govern,
Depending on the design details, wear plates might either increase or decrease the stresses in the vessel shell. The
behavior of wear plates under the influence of axial loads has been found to be similar as to the behavior of repads
on nozzles. When the wear pad is thick in relation to the shell, the stiff wear plate causes the load to concentrate in
the vessel wall, near the edge of the wear pad. Very thin wear plates provide only a small reduction of the axial load
stresses. To a certain limit, a wider wear pad will also help reduce the effects of axial loads. However, Zicks
minimum width of (b+10t) is a reasonable starting point.

Chapter 4 Section 4
Interpreting the Results
Typical Stress Fields
The use of the saddle models will require some understanding of the stress patterns in horizontal vessels, particularly
near the support saddle. When viewing the graphical results, it is not readily apparent which stress regions are
compressive and which are tensile. For example, both the highest compressive stress and tensile stress typically
occur near the horn of the saddle. Knowing which stress intensities are compressive or tensile and where they
should occur is important for determining allowable stress limits and proper fatigue stress (Pl+Pb+Q+F).
At the horn of the saddle, the outer surface is usually in compression while the inner surface is in tension. To take
the highest stress (typically compressive stress on outer surface) and use it for a fatigue analysis would not be the
appropriate procedure. Instead, the proper stress would be that at the interior surface. Further above the saddle
horn, near the meridian, the bending moment will usually reverse. Near the meridian, the outer surface will be in
tension while the inner surface is in compression. In addition, the highest stresses will tend to gather on the edge of
the saddle nearest to the midspan (inside edge). These stress field trends are illustrated below.
Tensile stress on outer surface

near meridian
Compressive stress on outer

Stresses concentrate on surface at saddle horn
inside edge of saddle
Pl+Pb+Q Stresses on Outside Surface
Users must be cautious when making comparisons to results from semi-empirical methods such as those presented
by L.P. Zick. The stresses calculated in Zicks method can not be directly compared to any of those generated by
NozzlePRO. The reason is that Zick only reports stresses in longitudinal or circumferential directions (excluding
transverse shear at saddles), and does not report both at any location. At the saddle horn, Zick only reports
circumferential stresses whereas NozzlePRO will report the maximum stress intensity.
After analyzing various horizontal vessels using NozzlePRO, PRG has found that Zicks approximations for
circumferential bending stresses at the horn of the saddle are closest to Pl+Pb+Q type stresses in this region. On the
outside surface, both longitudinal and circumferential stresses will usually be of the same sign (compressive stress)
when liquid loads without pressure are analyzed, with circumferential stresses dominating. Since the normal

principal stress is typically near zero, the stress intensity near the saddle horn is highly dependent upon the
magnitude of the circumferential stress. Thus, the reported stress intensity for Pl+Pb+Q stress should be slightly
higher than the circumferential component alone provided that significant shear stresses are not present. FE/PIPE
users can evaluate the local stresses in the circumferential and longitudinal directions using MODGEN commands.
Typical stress fields for longitudinal and circumferential stresses are shown below.
Longitudinal Stress on Outside Surface Circumferential Stress on Outside Surface
In most circumstances it has been found that the NozzlePRO results will be conservative in comparison to Zicks
methods when using the Symmetric load option. The variances in the results are likely explained by some of the
inherent conditions of Zicks analysis. One fact of the strain gauge testing is that the exact location of Zicks strain
gauges during the testing is unknown. This is important since the stresses decrease rapidly as one moves away from
the saddle horn, towards the meridian. In other words, small changes in location can cause large changes in stress
values. It is unlikely that Zick located the stain gauges directly next to the weld at the saddle horn or wear pad edge.
Even if this were the case, the size of the strain gauges could have influenced the results in such a rapidly changing
stress field. Thus, it is difficult to say Zick captured the absolute maximum circumferential bending stresses near
the horn of the saddle.
If wear plates are included in the model, Zicks results could be even further from the NozzlePRO results since the
stress field is highly dependent on the geometry of the wear pad (thickness, width, angle, etc). Even though Zick
attempted to cover a range of geometries, it is possible that Zicks experimental data never included the maximum
stresses when wear pads were involved. As the figures show earlier indicate, the high stresses might occur behind
the wear pad, locations inaccessible to strain gauges. This is particularly prevalent in vessels with wear pads less
than the thickness of the vessel.
Strain gauge testing, cyclic testing, and other testing of horizontal vessels in planned at PRG in the near
future. How users address axially loaded horizontal vessel on saddle supports is of special interest. Those
with questions, comments, or suggestions regarding the study of horizontal vessel supports are encouraged to
contact PRG at support@paulin.com.

Merge Regions Method

The Merge Regions Method is an option available through the FE/PIPE editor that allows users to determine the
means of calculating the stresses at plate line penetrations. NozzlePRO uses the default (and recommended) Merge
Regions Option 1. This sets the stresses at the junction of the plate and shell equal to zero then uses the stresses at
the edge of the first element away from the junction to provide an average stress near the plate penetration.
Alternatively, the user might wish to calculate the stresses in the shell directly at the plate line penetration. To
report the stresses directly at the plate / shell intersection, the Merge Regions Method 0 should be used. The
results are shown below.
Merge Regions Method 0 Merge Regions Method 1
Merge Regions Method 0 will tend to give more conservative stresses since the maximum stress will occur at the
junction of the shell and plate. However, the stresses at this junction have been shown to be dependent upon the
density of the mesh. This often occurs at sharp transitions or intersections in plate and shell models and is due to the
singularities that occur at the nodes within the junction between shell and plates. Merge Regions Method 1 helps
reduce the influence of the singularities. Using Merge Regions Method 1 and the default model mesh density will
produce the most realistic stresses for horizontal vessels.

Chapter 4 Section 5
Integral vs. Non-Integral Wear Plates
The non-integral wear pad option has been included to allow users to evaluate the interaction of the wear plate with
the parent shell. Engineering judgment must be applied when comparing results from non-integral and integral wear
pad models. The recommended approach is to run both cases and evaluate the results. Since the non-integral
model does not yet include radial bearing loads, the most accurate result will be some where between the non-
integral and integral cases.
Zicks results as well as other indicate the wear pad should move the high stress in the vessel shell away from the
horn of the saddle, towards the meridian. In general, when t/T (wear pad thickness / vessel wall thickness) is less
than 1, the highest stresses in the shell are likely to occur at some point between the saddle horn and the top of the
wear pad. As the ratio t/T increases, the local bending stresses will move further away from the saddle horn and
eventually will be the highest just outside the edge of the wear plate. Such a trend might not be apparent when
using the integral wear pad model.
Provided the loads are high enough to generate a noticeable stress field, the integral wear pad model should display
this characteristic. The figures on the following page show how the thickness of the wear pad influences the stresses
in the shell. Both non-integral and integral pad results are provided for comparison. Note that these figures were
generated using Merge Regions Method 0.
A few conclusions can be made based on the plots below. First, both the integral and non-integral methods produce
a reduction of the maximum stress found in the model without a repad. Integral pad models tend to produce similar
trends and qualitative stresses in comparison to those predicted by Zicks methods. However, the integral pad and
Zicks methods do not take into account the flexibility of the wear pad and the subsequent reduction of the stresses
in the vessels wall. The non-integral pad models shown below illustrate the flexibility of thinner wear pads and the
resulting reduction of stresses in the vessel wall. A balance exists for choosing an appropriate wear plate thickness.
If the wear plate is too thin, the vessel shell stresses may drop, but the wear plate will see higher stresses. Note that
both of the methods (non-integral and integral) show that thick wear plates will essentially move the peak stress to
the edge of the wear and produce the highest stresses for cases where wear plates are used. For this reason, thick
wear plates should be avoided.
Note that only weight loads were included, not axial loads were applied to generate these plots. Thus, any
conclusions from these plots may not hold for axial loads. As discussed previously, non-integral wear plates near
the same thickness as the shell have shown to provide the best results for axial load induced stresses.
No Wear Plate
(Pl+Pb+Q = 22,646 psi at saddle horn)
(Zick = 16,038 psi)

Non-Integral Pad Model Integral Pad Model

Wear Plate Thickness = 0.375 x Shell Thickness Wear Plate Thickness = 0.375 x Shell Thickness
(Pl+Pb+Q = 5,350 psi in shell, behind pad) (Pl+Pb+Q = 18,223 psi in pad area)
(Zick = 13,547 psi at Horn & 12,197 psi at Pad Edge) (Zick = 13,547 psi at Horn & 12,197 psi at Pad Edge)

Wear Plate Thickness = 0.50 xShell Thickness Wear Plate Thickness = 0.50 x Shell Thickness
(Pl+Pb+Q = 6,600 psi in shell, behind pad) (Pl+Pb+Q = 16,257 psi in pad area)

(Pl+Pb+Q = 8,900 psi in shell, at pad edge) (Pl+Pb+Q = 10,840 psi in pad area)


(Pl+Pb+Q = 11,750 psi in shell, above pad) (Pl+Pb+Q = 11,360 psi above pad)
(Zick = 4,974 psi at Horn & 12,197 psi at Pad Edge) (Zick = 4,794 psi at Horn & 12,197 psi at Pad
Ed )

Chapter 4 Section 6
Other Topics
Creating full models of horizontal vessels
Entire models of vessels can be quickly created with a few commands using FE/PIPE. Note that the procedure
described below requires the user to have full access to FE/PIPE in addition to NozzlePRO. The basic procedure is
outlined below:
1. Create NozzlePRO model and specify that the FE/PIPE files should be left in place. Note that it is not
necessary to run the full analysis. All that is required is to plot the geometry since this will initialize
the FE/PIPE input file.
2. Locate the Nozzle.ifu file for the geometry that was created.
3. In Windows Explorer, copy this file and rename (for this example copy.ifu).
4. For copy.ifu, specify a negative X-axis orientation in the General screen. This spins the model around
so that Nozzle.ifu and copy.ifu can be joined at their midspan.
5. For copy.ifu and nozzle.ifu, change the bottom shell boundary conditions (at midspan) in FE/PIPE to
include a node number for the data base operations. Any other boundary conditions at the midspan
should be removed.
6. Prepare nozzle.ifu and copy.ifu for analysis.
7. Create a none type model and join nozzle.ifu and copy.ifu using the database operations.
For sliding saddles, or other boundary conditions, the input files must be modified accordingly.
Convergence of Stresses at Saddle Horn

In any finite element model, the user must ensure that the stresses have converged. Convergence becomes
especially important around plate/shell junctions. Plate and shell junctions are particularly susceptible to
singularities. In other words, stresses that increase in some relation to increased mesh density. When refining the
mesh in the default models there is a good chance that a singularity exists if the maximum stress continuously
increases with increasing mesh density,. Under these circumstances, the user must evaluate the stress distribution
and determine the most realistic stress removed from the singularity.
Where the saddle joins to the vessel shell at the saddle horn, the maximum stresses are likely to be influenced by
singularities. However, PRG has provided several features to reduce the effects of the singularities. Default model
meshes and options will provide results that are conservative, but not unrealistic. Users wishing to evaluate the
maximum stresses at the junction should refer to the section that discusses the Merge Regions Methods.
Large Models and Memory Allotment

Horizontal vessel models will require more memory and take longer to analyze than other NozzlePRO models due to
the higher number of shell elements. The memory requirements and computational time will be the greatest when
non-integral pad models are run. It is not uncommon for non-integral pad models to take 15 minutes or more to
process. To increase the memory allotted for NozzlePRO, the user will need to run the configuration file
cfng.exe. This executable file should be located in the installation directory for NozzlePRO. Upon executing
cnfg.exe, the following screen should appear.

Memory allocation is set inside the J Miscellaneous Settings menu. The miscellaneous settings menu is shown
below. The red arrow indicates the default memory allocation of 64Mb. Typically, this should be set to about 75%
of the systems available memory. Be sure to pay careful attention to the necessary keys that save the changes.

Nozzle\PRO 7.0 December 2006 www.paulin.com
Chapter 5 Section 1
Nozzle/PRO Fitness for Service
Local thin areas and crack like flaws may be evaluated for most Nozzle/PRO geometries using the Nozzle/PRO
fitness for service input form. Fitness for service evaluations are conducted using API 579 methodologies for Level
2 & Level 3 checks. Up to ten flaws may be defined for each model. To access the fitness for service options, click
the API 579 FFS icon as shown below:

Nozzle/PRO Fitness for Service
Add New Flaw
Additional flaws to be evaluated may be defined using the Add New Flaw button. Each time the Add New
Flaw button is clicked, a new flaw will be added to the input form. Up to ten flaws may be defined.
Delete Current Flaw
User defined flaws may be deleted from the input form using the Delete Current Flaw button. To delete a flaw,
first select the desired flaw from the flaw tabs and then click the Delete Current Flaw button.
Flaw Location Input Sheet

The Flaw Location input sheet provides input to define the location, type, and geometry of the flaw.
Description
The user may provide a descriptive name for each flaw.
Flaw Location
The flaw location input is used to define the general location of the flaw on the model. Options are available for
each region within the parent and attachment. The user should select the general region or area in which the flaw is
located. Nozzle/PRO will use the maximum stress within the specified region and evaluate the flaw. The region in
which the flaw will be located is highlighted in red within the images in the the lower left panel of the Fitness for
Service screen.

Evaluation Type
The Evaluation Type input is used to specify the type of fitness for service evaluation desired. Available analysis
types include local metal loss and crack like flaw evaluations. The user may also evaluate the defined flaw as both a
local metal loss and crack like flaw to determine the worst case scenario.
Proximity to Weld
The Proximity to Weld option provides the ability to specify the location of the flaw in relation to welds. The
default selection is Weld Region and should provide a conservative evaluation. If the proximity to a weld is
unknown, the user should consider using the Weld Region option.
This flaw locator is not used for local thin areas, but is used for crack-like flaw evaluation. The effect of welds in
local thin areas is included in the evaluation by the specification of the weld joint efficiency. For joint efficiencies
of 1, the fact that the local thin area is in a weld has no effect.
Basis
Each flaw must have a Basis defined so that the dimensions of the flaw may be determined. Here, the Basis
input defines what procedure or input will be used to establish the dimensions of the flaw. Several options are
available including:
1. Assume a default flaw size Nozzle/PRO will assume that the flaw has a depth of 0.25 times the thickness
of the material and a length equal to six times the thickness.
2. User defined flaw depth and length the user must define the depth and length of the flaw which will
then be used in the fitness for service evaluation.
3. Maximum measured flaw depth/length this option should be used when a thickness measurement
survey is available. In this case, the user will input the thickness survey data within the Measurement
Grid sheet. Nozzle/PRO will determine the maximum depth and length based on the critical flaw depth
and lengths using API 579 procedures. The maximum depth and length will be used irrespective of
whether they are defined for the circumferential or longitudinal directions.
Flaw Depth
Defines the maximum depth of the flaw. Only used when the flaw basis is User Defined Flaw Depth and Length
Note that this input will be automatically generated when the flaw basis is the Maximum measured flaw
depth/length.
Flaw Length
Defines the maximum length of the flaw. Only used when the flaw basis is User Defined Flaw Depth and Length.
Note that this input will be automatically generated when the flaw basis is the Maximum measured flaw
depth/length.

Measurement Grid
The Measurement Grid input sheet is used to define the characteristics of local thin areas using an array of thickness
measurements which encompass the flaw. Note that the Measurement Grid input sheet is only used when the flaw
basis has been specified as Maximum measured flaw depth/length (see Flaw Location input discussion for more
details).
Inside Diameter at Flaw
The inside diameter of the shell at the location of the flaw. The inside diameter is used to calculate the length over
which thickness averaging will be conducted.

Min Reqd Thk \ Nominal Thk
The minimum required thickness (left input box) and the nominal thickness (right input box) at the flawed location.
Future Corrosion Allowance
Defines the future corrosion allowance for the flawed location. The future corrosion allowance is used in
conjunction with the minimum required thickness and thickness survey data to determine maximum flaw
dimensions. The future corrosion allowance should be based on operating experience, inspection data, and
corrosion rate estimates. The future corrosion allowance is applicable to the expected future operating period.
Remaining Strength Factor
The Remaining Strength Factor is the ratio of the strength of the damaged component to the undamaged component.
Here, strength relates to the resistance against a limit type load to cause collapse or catastrophic failure. API 579
recommends an RSF factor of 0.90 for equipment in process services. Essentially, the remaining strength factor
relates the strength of the damaged component to that of the undamaged component. Therefore, lower RSF values
indicate that the analyst is willing to permit the equipment to operate a much lower strength than originally intended.
Higher values are more stringent in that the flaws must be of a less significant nature and thus produce strengths
closer to the undamaged state.
# Circ. Points \ Spacing
Defines the number of circumferential measurement planes along the longitudinal direction of the shell (left input
box). The spacing distance along the longitudinal axis, between the circumferential planes, is defined in the right
input box. See image below for details. As recommended by API 579, a minimum of five measurement points must
be provided in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions. Users should refer to API 579 for the proper
spacing of the measurement points.
# Long. Points \ Spacing
Defines the number of longitudinal measurement planes in the circumferential direction of the shell (left input box).
The spacing distance along the circumferential direction, between the longitudinal planes, is defined in the right
input box. See image below for details. As recommended by API 579, a minimum of five measurement points must
be provided in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions. Users should refer to API 579 for the proper
spacing of the measurement points.

Thickness Measurement Input Spreadsheet

After the measurement details described above have been provided, the thickness measurement spreadsheet should
appear. The thickness measurement spreadsheet provides input spaces for all the circumferential and longitudinal
thickness measurements. The user should enter the data from their thickness survey in the columns and rows
indicated by C1, C2, etc and L1, L2, etc. The column titled Long CTP and row titled Circ CTP summarize the
critical thickness profiles in the longitudinal and circumferential directions, respectively. The minimum measured
thickness along the critical thickness profiles is highlight in red font. User defined values which coincide with the
nominal thickness are shown in light gray font while values less than the nominal thickness are shown in black font.
Critical Flaw Dimensions

Once all values have been specified in the thickness measurement spreadsheet, the critical flaw dimensions
calculated per API 579 will be available. Maximum flaw dimensions are provided for both the circumferential and
longitudinal directions as shown below. These are output results for the API 579 flaw size calculations and may not
be modified by the user. Note that these output results are only visible once the user has completed all of the input
fields in the Measurement Details frame and the thickness measurement spreadsheet is visible.

Optional Input
The optional input page provides additional control over the fitness for service evaluation. A description of these
input fields is provided below.
Probability of Failure
Defines the probability of failure for the user defined flaw. This input is only used for the analysis of crack like
flaws. The probability of failure is used in conjunction with the primary load certainty input to determine the
partial safety factors applied to the primary and secondary stresses (and other user defined flaw variables). Higher
probability of failure values will result in greater partial safety factors, effectively increasing the design
margins in the fitness for service evaluation and providing for a safer design.
High is the most conservative assumption (lowest risk of failure).

Medium is slightly less conservative (moderate risk of failure).
Low represents the lowest margin against the mean failure curve (higher risk of failure)
The default value of HIGH equates to a margin of 4 standard deviations below the mean failure curve. Medium
represents approximately three standard deviations below the mean failure curve. Low represents approximately
two standard deviations below the mean failure curve.
Primary Load Certainty
The primary load certainty relates to the coefficient of variation (COV) related to the uncertainty in the primary
stress distribution. This input is only used for crack like flaw evaluations. Three options are available for the
primary load certainty input:
1. Well Known primary loads and stresses at the flawed zone are
computed or measured and are well known. This option corresponds to a
COV = 0.10.

2. Reasonably Known primary loads and stresses in the flawed zone are
computed or measured and are reasonably well known. Here, the
uncertainty is due to the possible variation in the loading or calculation
methods.
3. Uncertain / Random Loadings calculated or measured primary loads
and stresses are significantly uncertain. The uncertainty is a result of the
unknown or random nature of the applied loading or estimates made in
the calculation of the primary stresses.
Weld Joint Efficiency
Defines the joint efficiency of the welded joint. When a crack like flaw is located at a welded region, the primary
stresses will be divided by the weld joint efficiency. The weld joint efficiency typically ranges between 0.65 and
1.0.
Nominal Thickness at Flaw
Typically, the nominal thickness at the flaw is determined by the thickness at the flaw as defined in the finite
element model. However, the user may override the finite element models thickness such that the fitness for
service calculations use the options Nominal Thickness at Flaw value. Note that this thickness will not modify the
local thickness in the finite element model, it is only used in the fitness for service post processing calculations.
Materials Nil Ductility Temperature
The nil ductility temperature is only used for crack like flaw evaluations. Defines the nil ductility temperature for
the material of construction in which the flaw is located. Used as the reference temperature, and defined as the
temperature corresponding to a Charpy impact value of 15 ft-lb for carbon steels and 20 ft-lb for Cr-Mo steels. The
Nil Ductility Temperature is not used for stainless steels.
Note that if the nil ductility is actually zero degrees, then a value near zero but not exactly zero should be specified
(for instance 0.1). A value of zero will not initialize the input and results in a default nil ductility value for the
materials.
Local Radius of Curvature
Defines the local radius of curvature of the vessel or pipe at the location of the user defined flaw. If no input is
provided, then Nozzle/PRO will use the user defined value for the parent or attachment given in the main
Nozzle/PRO screen.
Number of Operating Cycles
Defines the estimated number of operating cycles for which the flaw will be exposed to during the anticipated future
service life. The number of operating cycles is not the total cycles for the equipment. Instead, it is only the number
of future cycles to which the flaw is exposed.

Ignore Partial Safety Factors
The partial safety factors are used to provide additional margin against failure in light of uncertainties in the
loadings and calculations. On occasion, the analyst is more concerned with reducing the safety margin and
estimating a more realistic margin against failure. In such cases, the user may evaluate the flaw without the use of
the partial safety factors. Note that this input is only used for the evaluation of crack like flaws.
Flaw is Exposed to a Marine Environment
Used for crack growth rate calculations only; does not affect the local thin area computations. Increases the crack
growth rate for both stainless and carbon steels per API 579 F.5.3 by 4.4 times.
Flawed Region has been Post Weld Heat Treated
This factor is only used in the evaluation of crack-like flaws and will reduce the effect of residual stress when the
flaw is in the proximity of a weld. If PWHT has been performed the residual stresses in the weld are reduced to
20% of their non-PWHT values.
Secondary Loads are Applied Dynamically
Only used for the evaluation of crack like flaws. Used when some portion of the operating load or secondary stress
is applied dynamically. In this case the KIC value will be adjusted based on the temperature, and the Dynamic Ramp
loading time. The user can override this calculation by entering the Dynamic Critical fracture toughness at operating
temperature if a better value is available.

Advanced Input
The advanced input tab provides additional control over the material properties to be used in the FFS calculations.
Mainly, control over the material properties relating to the evaluation of crack like flaws is provided.
Define known material properties for analysis
If material properties for the material of construction are known, then select this option to access the material
definition options. Nozzle/PRO provides the following options for material definitions:
Static Fracture Toughness
Available only if the option Fracture Toughness Values are Known is selected.
KIC value at operating conditions. This value will be estimated by the program based on the type of material input if
not entered. Only used for crack type flaws.
Dynamic Fracture Toughness (KID)
Available only if the option Fracture Toughness Values are Known is selected.

KIC value at operating conditions for dynamic loadings. Only used if the Secondary Loads are Applied
Dynamically check box is marked in the Optional input tab. If not entered the program will calculate a dynamic
KIC based on loading time and temperature. Only used for crack-type flaws.
Critical J Value
Available only if the option Use Critical J Value to Calculate Toughness has been selected.
If a J integral value is entered it will be used to compute the KIC per API 579 Appendix F.4.2. Only used for crack-
type flaws.
CTOD Value from Test
Available only if the option Use CTOD Value to Calculate Toughness has been selected.
If a crack tip opening displacement value is available from a CTOD test of the material then this value may be
entered as per API 579 Appendix F.4.2.
Charpy Impact Energy
Available only if the option Use Charpy Impacts to Calculate Toughness has been selected.
Enter the Charpy energy at operating temperature if available. This value can be converted into the KIC value to be
used in crack-type flaw evaluations.
Fitness for Service Example

The following example illustrates the API 579 fitness for service tool in Nozzle/PRO. This particular example is
API 579 example 4.11.1 and will illustrate the evaluation of a localized corrosion region in a pressure vessel,
removed from any gross structural discontinuities, but located at a longitudinal weld seam.
This sample model may be found in the Samples1

folder of the installation directory with filename:
NozzlePRO_FFS_LTA.nozzlepro
A region of localized corrosion has been found on a pressure vessel during a scheduled turnaround. The local metal
loss area passes through a longitudinal weld seam.
Design Conditions = 300 psi @ 350F

Inside Diameter = 48 in.
Fabricated Thickness = 0.75 in.
Uniform Metal Loss = 0.0 in.
FCA = 0.1 in. (Future Metal Loss [Corrosion Allowance])
Material = SA 516 Grade 70
Weld Joint Efficiency = 0.85
The corroded area was NOT in the circumferential weld seam.

Effective Longitudinal Flaw Length = 9.75 in.

Effective Circumferential Flaw Length = 9.0 in.
Minimum thickness = 0.45 in.
Thickness Measurements for the local metal loss are given below. There are 8 measurement points in the
longitudinal (C) direction, and 7 measurement points in the circumferential (M) direction.
Circ
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8
CTP
M1 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75
M2 0.75 0.48 0.52 0.57 0.56 0.58 0.60 0.75 0.48
M3 0.75 0.57 0.59 0.55 0.59 0.60 0.66 0.75 0.55
M4 0.75 0.61 0.47 0.58 0.36 0.58 0.64 0.75 0.36
M5 0.75 0.62 0.59 0.58 0.57 0.48 0.62 0.75 0.48
M6 0.75 0.57 0.59 0.61 0.57 0.56 0.49 0.75 0.49
M7 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75
Long
0.75 0.48 0.47 0.55 0.36 0.48 0.49 0.75
CTP
Step 1 Specify geometry for the pressure vessel.
Note that the option No Attachment has been selected since the flaw is located in the shell removed
from any gross structural discontinuities.
Step 2 Click Loads to define the loadings acting on the pressure vessel. Input the values given below.
When finished, click OK to return to the main Nozzle/PRO interface.

Step 3 Click Materials to define the material of construction for the pressure vessel shell. Once finished,
click OK to return to the main Nozzle/PRO interface screen.
Users with a Mat/PRO license may use the Import Material from Mat/PRO button to import all of the
material properties. Otherwise, simply input the values given below:
Step 4 Open the API 579 FFS definition screen by clicking the API 579 FFS icon:
Step 5 In the API 579 FFS input form, define a description and select the Flaw Location.
Note that only one option is available in the Flaw Location list. This is because the Nozzle/PRO
attachment type was No Attachment.
Step 6 Since the flaw to be evaluated is a local corroded region, select the option Local Metal Loss from the
evaluation type input field.
Step 7 The flaw is located in a welded region, therefore the option Weld Region must be selected for the
Proximity to Weld input field.

Step 8 Define the flaw definition basis. This input instructs Nozzle/PRO how the flaw dimensions will be
provided. In this example, a thickness survey has been provided and will be used in the flaw
evaluation. Therefore, the option Maximum measured flaw depth/length should be selected.
When Maximum measured flaw depth/length is selected, Nozzle/PRO will expect the user to provide
a thickness survey input in the Measurement Grid input tab. Nozzle/PRO will use the largest flaw
dimensions in circumferential and longitudinal directions in the FFS calculations.
Step 9 Click the Measurement Grid tab to access the thickness survey input form.
Step 10 In the Measurement Grid input tab, fill in the various input fields as shown below:
Step 11 Fill in the Thickness Survey spreadsheet with the thickness measurements provided at the beginning of
this example:
Note that the critical thickness planes (CTPs) in the circumferential and longitudinal directions will be
determined as the input is completed. Also, the minimum measured thickness is highlighted by red
font.

Step 12 Once all of the thickness survey data is entered, the flaw size calculations should be available in the
Critical Flaw Dimension results frame. The maximum of either the circumferential or longitudinal
dimensions will be used in the calculation. Recall that these will be automatically inserted in the Flaw
Depth and Flaw Length input fields as discussed in Step #6.
Step 14 Click the Optional input tab to define any option input values.
The only requirement for this example is the Weld Joint Efficiency. Nozzle/PRO defaults to a Weld
Joint Efficiency value of 0.70. However, in this example the Weld Joint Efficiency is 0.85.
Step 15 Click OK to save the flaw data and return to the main Nozzle/PRO input screen.
Step 16 In the main Nozzle/PRO interface screen, click Plot Only to generate a graphical plot of the model to
be analyzed. The result should be as shown below:

Step 17 When the graphical image appears, the portions of the model to be included in the FFS calculations can
be reviewed using the FFS menu option. The nodes of the model to be included in the FFS
calculation will be highlighted by the maroon colored dots as shown below.
Close the plot window when finished viewing the model.
Step 18 In the main Nozzle/PRO screen, click Run FE to perform the finite element analysis and FFS
calculations.
Step 19 After the analysis has completed, the API 579 Fitness for Service calculations will be available in the
output report. To access the reports, click on the following menu items in the reports table of contents:
Refer to the following discussion for interpretation of the analysis results.
A Pass/Fail summary of the FFS calculations is provided in the FFS Results Summary report. This report provides a
quick review of the calculation results for each of the user defined flaws. In this example, the summary report tells
the user that Flaw #1 (the local thin area defined in this example) is not acceptable and exceeds the allowable limits
by a factor of 1.331.

Details of the FFS calculations for Flaw #1 can be reviewed by clicking the FFS for Flaw# 1 for Region:
Cylindrical Shell link in the reports table of contents. This report is shown below.
FFS for Flaw# 1 for Region:Cylindrical Shell
API 579 Fitness for Service Evaluation

------------------------------------------------
Conservative assumptions were made when implementing the

fitness for service rules of API579 Sections 5.0 and 9.0.
It is the users responsibility to review and check the
results printed herein to verify that they apply and are
valid for the particular problem studied.
Descr: API 579 Example 4.11.1 (Corros
Yield Stress at Room Temperature = 38.000 ksi

Yield Stress at Operating Temperature = 33.050 ksi
Flow Stress at Operating Temperature = 43.050 ksi
Flow Stress at ROOM Temperature = 48.000 ksi
Modulus of Elasticity at Room Temperature = 29400.000 ksi
Modulus of Elasticity at Operating Temperature = 28100.000 ksi
Internal Pressure = 300.000 psi

Operating Temperature = 350.000 degF
Local Primary Membrane Stress in Area of Flaw = 10.118 ksi

Local Primary Bending Stress in Area of Flaw = 1.292 ksi
Local Secondary Membrane Stress in Area of Flaw = 0.003 ksi
Local Secondary Bending Stress in Area of Flaw = 0.007 ksi
Initial Crack Depth = 0.387 in.

Initial Crack Half-Length = 4.355 in.
Component Wall Thickness at Flaw = 0.750 in.
Component Inside Radius at Flaw Location = 24.750 in.
Flaw is in an area that contains a weld or HAZ.
Longitudinal Weld Joint Efficiency = 0.850

Probability of Failure = 0.000001000
Coefficient of Variation = 0.100

(Primary Loads and Stresses are
computed and well known.)
Poissons Ratio used in this analysis = 0.300
API 579 Section 5.0 Assessment for Local Metal Loss

---------------------------------------------------
5.54 Membrane Stress due to Primary Loads = 32.992 ksi

5.54 Allowable Stress due to Primary Loads = 24.788 ksi
Primary Membrane Stress at Flaw EXCEEDS limit = 133.100 %
5.54 Membrane Stress due to Secondary Loads = 0.009 ksi

5.54 Allowable Stress due to Secondary Loads = 49.575 ksi
Secondary Membrane Flaw Stress WITHIN allowable = 0.017 %

NozzlePRO 7.0 December 2006 www.paulin.com
Chapter 5 Section 2
Nozzle/PRO Piping Input Screens
Piping may be attached to Nozzle/PRO shell models using the piping input screens accessed via the Piping
Runs icon as shown below. Up to ten unique piping runs may be included with the Nozzle/PRO model.

Nozzle/PRO Piping
All piping is modeled using the Nozzle/PRO Piping input form. Each of the inputs will be described in the
following sections.
Create New Piping Run
Additional piping runs are created using the Create New Piping Run button. Each time the Create New Piping
Run button is clicked, a new piping run tab will be added to the input form. Up to ten unique piping runs may be
defined for the model. Each piping run may contain virtually any number of piping segments (elements).
Delete Current Piping Run
Piping runs may be deleted from the input form using the Delete Current Piping Run button. The piping run
which will be deleted will be the active piping run currently selected in the piping tab sheet.
Options
There are a number of optional settings the user may specify which will control the Nozzle/PRO piping solution and
reports. These options are accessed via the Options button.
Plot Model

Prepares the model for analysis and generate a graphical plot of the model. The user may also click the Plot Only
button in the main Nozzle/PRO interface screen to achieve the same results.
Pipe Run Tabs
Each tab indicates a piping run included in the Nozzle/PRO model. Access the input for the specific piping run by
selecting one of the available pipe run tabs.
Duplicate Row
Used to duplicate an existing input row in the piping input spreadsheet.
Add Row
Add a new row to the piping input spreadsheet.
Delete Row
Delete the active row from the piping input spreadsheet.
Edit Row
Use the Edit Row button to perform various editing operations on the current row and piping input spreadsheet such
as cut, copy, paste, insert, etc.
Text Input (or Grid Input)
The user may construct each piping run using either the standard spreadsheet input or a raw text file with Beamer
file commands. To switch into text input mode, just click the Text Input button. Nozzle/PRO can convert the
existing spreadsheet input into text input, but can not convert text input back into the spreadsheet input. Therefore,
any changes made in the Text Input mode can never be converted back into the Grid Input mode.
The user may switch between Text Input mode and Grid Input mode without losing either input. For instance, even
when Text Input mode is being used, the original spreadsheet data will be saved so that the user can revert back at
any time. However, keep in mind that the spreadsheet will not be revised with any Text Input changes.

Nozzle/PRO Piping Grid Input

The Grid Input mode is the primary input mode and recommended for most users. The Grid Input mode allows the
user to construct the Nozzle/PRO piping model using a familiar spreadsheet input format. The following describes
the input fields available for the Grid Input mode.
Element Type
Designates the finite element type to be used in the piping model. Two element types are available, the standard 6
DOF beam elements or an advanced 18 DOF beam element. The 6 DOF beam element is widely used in piping
analysis programs and will replicate traditional piping analysis results. The advanced 18 DOF piping element
permits ovalization degrees of freedom and therefore produces more accurate solutions where local flexibilities are
important such as in large D/t piping. The 18 DOF elements also produce more accurate stiffness interaction results
for close coupled elbow-elbow pairs and intersection models.
Description
The user may provide a descriptive name for the current piping run here.
Start at Shell Model
Each piping run must begin at a defined location in the model. The Start at Shell Model is used to begin a piping
run from an attachment point on the Nozzle/PRO shell model. Options are typically at the end of the nozzle or some
point on the parent geometry (ends of the header or bottom of a head, etc).
Start at Node
Piping runs may also begin from intersection locations within other piping runs. This option will typically be used
when the user needs to construct branch piping intersections. The selection list here is a listing of all End Nodes
defined in other piping runs. End nodes must be defined within other piping runs before a new piping run can be
created and begin from an existing End Node.
Piping Input Spreadsheet
The piping input spreadsheet allows the user to construct the piping model. Each row represents a segment within
the piping run. For instance, a straight section of piping would be defined by its length, diameter, and other
properties. The various columns within the Piping Input Spreadsheet are described below:
Input Column Description

Description The description field should be used to provide a unique identifier for the piping input
row which will help the user when reviewing the input or results at a later date.
X Length Describes the length of the piping segment in the global X direction. For straight
sections, this is the length to the ends of the straight section or to the tangent

intersection points if a bend is located at the end of the straight section.

Y Length Describes the length of the piping segment in the global Y direction. For straight
Z Length Describes the length of the piping segment in the global Z direction. For straight
OD Describes the outside diameter of the piping segment.
Thk Describes the design thickness of the piping segment. This thickness should be the
nominal thickness of the pipe less any mechanical tolerances, corrosion allowance, or
other margins.
Material Specify the material of construction for the piping segment. See the Piping Material
input screen for further description.
End Label (Optional) The end label is used to define a connection point for other piping runs. For
instance, end node labels are typically defined where other piping runs will begin
or end. These are usually where piping branch intersections occur.
The End Label may be a Base Node ID defined as part of a restraint in another
portion of the piping model. If the End Label is a Base Node ID, then the two
nodes will be tied together by the stiffness defined for the restraint containing the
Base Node ID.
This input is optional.
Pressure The operating pressure for the piping segment.
Temperature The operating temperature for the piping segment.
Fluid Density Describes the density of the contents of the piping segment. If a fluid density is
provided, Nozzle/PRO will assume that the entire piping segment is filled.
Restraints Used to apply restraints to the piping segment. See the Piping Restraints screen for
more details on this feature.
End Forces Define any point loads using this input option. The end loads will always be applied at
the end of the current piping segment. For piping segments with bends at the end, the
end forces are applied with the same philosophy as the restraints.
Bend at End? If a piping bend exists at the end of the piping segment, then mark this check box. All
bends are assumed to be standard bends with a bend radius equal to 1.5 times the
outside diameter of the piping segment.
Bend Radius The user may override the default bend radius of 1.5*D by specifying a user defined
bend radius in this field.
Flanged Ends If rigid components exist near the bend which may influence the flexibility of the bend,
then select the number of ends affected by these rigid components.
Number Miter Cuts For mitered bends, specify the number of miter cuts which exist along the bend.
Rigid Element? If the current piping segment should be considered a rigid element, then mark the Rigid
Element check box.
Rigid Weight For rigid elements only, the user may define the total weight of the rigid element. If the
rigid weight is specified as zero, then Nozzle/PRO will assume that a rigid construction
element should be generated. If the rigid weight is greater than zero, then the total
weight of the rigid will be equal to the specified rigid weight.
Insulation Thickness If external insulation exists on the piping segment, define the thickness of the insulation
here.
Insulation Density Describes the density of the piping insulation.
Refractory Thickness If internal refractory exists on the piping segment, define the refractory thickness here.
Refractory Density Describes the density of the piping refractory.
No Output Permits the user to turn off output reporting for the selected pipe segment. If selected,
then the piping segment will not be reported as part of the solution report. This is
typically used for rigid construction elements where the results are not of interest.

Nozzle/PRO Piping Text Input

The second input mode available for constructing Nozzle/PRO piping models is the Text Input mode. In the Text
Input mode, Beamer command text strings are used to instruct Nozzle/PRO how to construct the piping model. This
input method is only recommended for advanced users familiar with the Beamer input file command system. Users
can gain experience by first constructing the model using the Grid Input mode and then converting to Text Input
mode as described below. It is highly recommended that users attempting to utilize the Text Input mode refer to the
Text Input mode help file by clicking the Text Help button.
New and experienced users may find it convenient to use the Insert New Command option. This option provides
a simple interface to construct and insert the various Beamer commands into the Text Input mode. The Command
Builder interface permits the user to input familiar information while letting Nozzle/PRO take care of the proper
formatting of the various Text Input commands.
When switching into Text Input mode, Nozzle/PRO will display the following warning message. This message is
intended to warn the user that any input or changes provided in the Text Input mode can not be converted back into
the Grid Input spreadsheet. The original spreadsheet input data will remain available, but will not be revised with
the Text Input revisions.
If existing spreadsheet input is already available, then the user will be presented with an opportunity to convert the
spreadsheet input data into Text Input. This is often useful if the user wishes to quickly construct the model using
the Grid Input mode and then make final alterations using the Text Input method prior to analysis. It is also useful
when learning to use the Text Input mode since the converted spreadsheet data provides a good example to follow.
Click YES to convert the existing Grid Input data into the Text Input format.
Click NO to start with a clear Text Input format.
Click Cancel to quit and return to the Grid Input mode.

Insert New Command
Launches the Command Builder interface. This allows the user to construct and insert Beamer commands into the
Text Input interface without having to learn the strict format required for by the Text Input mode.
Error Check
When Text Input mode is being used, it is easy to make simple input errors. The Error Check button will perform an
error check on the text input and open the error report file for the user to review. It is recommended that this is used
frequently and before any analysis is attempted.
Plot Input
Generate a graphical plot of the current input when using the Text Input mode.
Text Help
Opens the Beamer command help file.

Nozzle/PRO Piping Material List

The Nozzle/PRO Piping Material List is used define all piping materials which will be used in the piping models.
Add Row
Additional materials may be defined using the Add Row button. Clicking the Add Row button will create a new
input row in the Material Spreadsheet.
Delete Row
Materials may be deleted from the input form using the Delete Row button. The material which will be deleted is
the active row in the material spreadsheet.
Material Input Spreadsheet
The material input spreadsheet allows the user to define unique materials to be used in the piping model. Each row
represents a different material. The material properties are described using the various columns of the spreadsheet.
Each of these material property columns is described in the following table:

Material Description Provides a unique description for each material defined in the material spreadsheet.
This description will be available in the piping input spreadsheet when each piping
segment is assigned a material of construction.
Cold Allowable Defines the cold allowable stress for the material. The cold allowable should be the

allowable stress at the minimum temperature of the operating cycle.

Hot Allowable Defines the hot allowable stress for the material. The hot allowable should be the
allowable stress at the maximum temperature of the operating cycle.
Elastic Modulus Specify the elastic modulus of the material.
Poissons Ratio Defines the Poissons ratio of the material.
Expansion Coefficient Defines the thermal expansion coefficient of the material. This should be the mean
thermal expansion between 70F (21C) and the operating temperature.
Density Specify the density of the material.
Cold Yield Defines the cold yield stress for the material. The cold yield should be the allowable
stress at the minimum temperature of the operating cycle.
Hot Yield Defines the hot yield stress for the material. The hot yield should be the allowable
stress at the maximum temperature of the operating cycle.
Cold Tensile Defines the cold tensile strength for the material. The cold yield should be the
allowable stress at the minimum temperature of the operating cycle.

Nozzle/PRO Piping Restraints

The Piping Restraints input form is accessed through the Nozzle/PRO Piping Input forms piping spreadsheet using
the pop-up button in the Restraints column. The Piping Restraints input form is used to apply restraints to a
specified piping segment.
Add Row
Additional piping restraints may be defined using the Add Row button. Clicking the Add Row button will create a
new input row in the Piping Restraints spreadsheet.
Delete Row
Restraints may be deleted from the input form using the Delete Row button. The restraint which will be deleted is
the active row in the material spreadsheet.

Restraint Type Select the type of restraint to be applied to the piping segment.
Location Defines the location for the restraint on the piping segment. The default (blank) is to
apply the restraint to the TO end of the piping segment. The user may specify that the
restraint should act at the FROM end of the piping segment by selecting the option
Start Node
Stiffness Optional
Defines the translational or rotational stiffness of the user defined restraint. A default
value of 1e15 will be used if no stiffness is specified.
This option will typically be used to define a spring can or hanger with known spring
stiffness. In this case, the user should define the linear spring stiffness defined by the
manufacturer.
Initial Load Optional
Defines the initial load acting on the restraint.
A common application of this input field is to define a spring support with an initial
load.

Base Node ID Optional

The Base Node ID is used to tie degrees of freedom together between various portions
of the model using the defined stiffness value.
Displacement Case Optional
Use to define the load case in which the displacement acting on the restraint will be
applied. Note that displacements may only be defined for directional restraints such as
X, Y, Z, Rx, Ry, and Rz.
Displacements are not permitted for restraint types such as ANCHOR. If the user
wishes to define a displacement on an anchor, then the anchor must be defined by six
independent restraints (one for each degree of freedom), each with their own properties.
Displacement Optional
Defines the displacement magnitude to be applied to the restraint. See Displacement
Case description above for additional considerations.
Cos X Optional
The vector component in the Global X direction for a skewed restraint type.
Cos Y Optional
The vector component in the Global Y direction for a skewed restraint type.
Cos Z Optional
The vector component in the Global Z direction for a skewed restraint type.
Notes Optional
Insert any descriptive text here to clarify the purpose of the restraint. These notes will
appear as part of the output report and input echo.

Nozzle/PRO Piping Loads

The Piping Loads input form is accessed thru the Nozzle/PRO Piping Input forms piping spreadsheet (see the End
Forces column in the piping spreadsheet discussion). The piping loads input form is used to define applied forces
acting on the end of the selected piping segment.
All loads are defined in the global coordinate system and applied at the end of the specified piping segment.
Weight Loads
Weight loads include any sustained type loads acting in the installed case.
Operating Loads
Operating loads are any applied loads which are present during the operating case being evaluated. The operating
loads should include the weight loads defined above. The difference between the operating loads and weight loads
will be used to define the range case for fatigue analysis.
Occasional Loads
Occasional loads are usually due to wind, seismic, or other cases not defined as part of the typical operating
conditions. Occasional loads can be evaluated either as contributing to primary type failures or fatigue failures. See
Section 2 of the Nozzle/PRO manual for more discussion of these options.
Note that the occasional loads should not include any portion of the weight or operating load cases. The occasional
loads will be combined automatically by Nozzle/PRO where appropriate.

Nozzle/PRO Piping Preferences

Several options are available for controlling the solution and output format when using the Nozzle/PRO piping
feature. The Nozzle/PRO Piping Preferences input form may be accessed through
Piping Model Only
A piping only model with no Nozzle/PRO shell elements may be created by selecting this option. This option is
typically used when the user wishes to analyze the piping elements only without including any shell model as part of
the solution.
Include Pressure Stiffening on Bends
Indicates whether the pressure stiffened flexibility factors should be used according to ASME B31.3. The default is
to include pressure stiffening effects.
Do not break down
By default, Nozzle/PRO will break piping segments into several elements in the FEA analysis. This is to improve
the stiffness model and dynamic solutions. The user may specify that the piping segments are not broken down into
multiple elements by selecting this option.

Include Fluid Weight
Defines whether or not fluid weight should be included in the piping analysis.
Include Self Weight
Defines whether or not weight loads due to material density should be included in the piping analysis.
Rigid Element OD Multiplier
Controls the diameter of rigid elements in the piping model. Note that this option will not be considered for rigid
elements where the rigid weight has been specified as zero since these elements are represented as weightless rigid
links in the model. Also, the rigid element OD multiplier will only affect the stiffness (via the element thickness) of
the rigid piping element and not the weights calculated for the rigid.
Include Insulation Weight on Rigid Piping Elements
Determines whether or not weight due to insulation will be added to the user defined rigid element weight. The
insulation weight included on the rigid will be 1.75 times the weight of insulation on equivalent straight pipe.
Include Refractory Weight on Rigid Piping Elements
Determines whether or not weight due to refractory will be added to the user defined rigid element weight. The
refractory weight included on the rigid will be 1.75 times the weight of refractory on equivalent straight pipe.
Input Echo Report Options
Input Echo Report Option Description

Full input echo All available input fields will be reported in the user input echo report.
Include only non-null values in input echo Only input fields which contain input explicitly defined by the user
will be included in the input echo. Null fields will not be included as
part of the input echo report.
Include minimal input echo Only non-null unique values will be reported. Input values common
between adjacent input rows in the piping input spreadsheet will not
be included in the input echo report. This option will provide the
most efficient output report since only the pertinent input is reported.
Do not include input echo No input echo will be included as part of the solution report.

Chapter 5 Section 2
Piping Example #1- Using End Node Labels

The following example will illustrate the basic steps necessary to construct simple piping geometries attached to the
Nozzle/PRO shell models. In this example, the piping layout as shown below will be used to demonstrate the usual
input operations. For simplicity, default material properties will be used for the vessel, nozzle, and attached piping.
This sample model may be found in the Samples1 folder of the

installation directory with filename NozzlePRO_Piping.nozzlepro
In this example, several key concepts will be covered:

Creating End Node Labels which permit individual piping runs to connect to one another. In this
example, Piping Run #2 begins at a branch connection along Piping Run #1 and also ends at a branch
connection along Piping Run #1.
Creating multiple boundary conditions at the end of a single piping segment. Using the piping
restraint screen, multiple restraints may be applied to any piping segment.
The first step is to construct the shell element model of the vessel and nozzle, where the first piping run will be
attached. In this case, the vessel is 60 OD x 0.625 with a 12.75 OD x 0.375 x 14.0 long nozzle. A screen shot
of the vessel input values are given below.

Once the vessel and nozzle geometry has been defined, the remaining work is to define the geometry of the attached
piping runs. The following steps outline the general procedure to construct the piping model:
1. Click the Piping Runs icon in the main Nozzle/PRO interface, located just above the nozzle geometry
input frame.
2. Since Piping Run #1 will begin at the end of the nozzle, select the option Start at Shell Model and then
select End of Nozzle from the drop down list.
3. Input the dimensions and geometry info for Piping Run #1. The inputs for Piping Run #1 are shown
below. Some important features to note are:
a. To create a new row in the spreadsheet, click the Add Row icon in the toolbar.
b. The first pipe segment, which is the length between the nozzle and the intersection to Piping Run
#2, has an End Label defined at the end of the pipe segment. This end node label defines a
connection point where other piping nodes may be attached. In this example, Piping Run #2 will
begin from End Label A.
c. Note that Row #12 also has an End Label defined. In this case, the end label is B. End Label
B will be the termination point for Piping Run #2.
d. Restraints are created by selecting the blinking button in the Restraints column.
i. When the piping restraints form appears, click Add Row to create a new piping
restraint then select the appropriate restraint type and fill in the remaining properties for
that restraint.
e. Note that some input items are column duplicated. Column duplicated row entries are indicated
by the light gray text. For instance, the pipe OD is defined only for the first input row and this
defined value is automatically inherited by each row following.
Input for Piping Run #1 in Example

Sample Piping Restraint for a Global Y Restraint in Piping Run #1.
4. After completing all the input for Piping Run #1, click the Create New Piping Run button to create a new
input tab sheet for Piping Run #2. This should add a new tab to the tab list with title Pipe #2.
5. Since Piping Run #2 will begin from a node within another piping run and not a point on the shell model,
select the Start at Node option and set the starting node label to A.
6. Next, input the piping geometry for Piping Run #2. The input spreadsheet should be as shown below for
Piping Run #2:
a. Important Piping Run #2 intersects Piping Run #1 and ends at the branch connection within
Piping Run #1. Therefore, Piping Run #2 must connect to End Label B which was previously
defined in Piping Run #1 To connect to node B, the End Label in row 7 is defined as B as
shown below.
b. Global Y & Z restraints have been provided in the Restraints column for Rows #2 and #3 This is
indicated by the word Multiple. Click on the blinking button to define the multiple restraints to
applied to the piping model. An example of the Global Y and Z restraints are given below.
Input for Piping Run #2 in Example
Example of Global Y & Z Restraints for Piping Run #2
7. After all of the piping model input has been specified, click CLOSE to return to the main Nozzle/PRO
interface. The model may now be plotted or analyzed as normal with Nozzle/PRO models. A plot of the
above input should yield the following model:


Piping Example #2 Using Base Node IDs

The following example will illustrate the use of Base Node IDs in Nozzle/PRO piping models. Base Node IDs are
defined in the Piping Restraint screens and can be used in the piping input spreadsheet or within other Piping
Restraint definitions. The Base Node IDs tie specific degrees of freedom (translational or rotational) together.
In this example, the goal is to tie two piping runs together to simulate a lower pipe supported from the upper pipe as
shown below. The upper and lower pipes will be tied together using a user defined Base Node ID.
This sample model may be found in the Samples1

folder of the installation directory with filename:
NozzlePRO_Base_Node.nozzlepro
This example will illustrate the following concept:

Creating Base Node IDs which are used to tie degrees of freedom together. In this example, Pipe
Run #1 will be slaved to Pipe Run #2 in the Global Y direction thru Base Node ID Spring.
Applying user defined loads to the piping model.

The first step is to construct the shell element model of the vessel and nozzle, where the first piping run will be
attached. In this case, the vessel is 60 OD x 0.75 with a 18.0 OD x 0.375 x 20.0 long nozzle. A screen shot of
the vessel input values are given below.
Once the vessel and nozzle geometry has been defined, the remaining work is to define the geometry of the attached
piping runs. The following steps outline the general procedure to construct the piping model:
1. Click the Piping Runs icon in the main Nozzle/PRO interface, located just above the nozzle geometry
input frame.
2. Since Piping Run #1 will begin at the end of the nozzle, select the option Start at Shell Model and then
select End of Nozzle from the drop down list.
3. Input the dimensions and geometry info for Piping Run #1. The inputs for Piping Run #1 are shown
below. Some important features to note are:
a. To create a new row in the spreadsheet, click the Add Row icon in the toolbar.
b. The first pipe segment, which is the length between the nozzle and the intersection to Piping Run
#2, has an End Label defined at the end of the pipe segment. This End Label is defined as
Spring1, which will be the same name assigned to the Base Node ID in Piping Run #2.
Therefore, by defining Spring1, the pipe segment will be slaved to Piping Run #2 thru Base
Node ID Spring1.
Input for Piping Run #1

4. After completing all the input for Piping Run #1, click the Create New Piping Run button to create a new
input tab sheet for Piping Run #2. This should add a new tab to the tab list with title Pipe #2.
5. Piping Run #2 will begin from the top of the shell model. Therefore, the appropriate selection for the start
location is Start at Shell Model with the location designated as Top of Parent.
6. Next, input the piping geometry for Piping Run #2. The input spreadsheet should be as shown below for
Piping Run #2 (see image of input screen below for additional guidance):
a. Important In Row #2, the Global Y restraint with the Base Node ID which ties Piping Run #2
and Piping Run #1 together must be defined. To do this, follow these steps:
i. Open the Piping Restraints screen selecting the cell in Row #2 within the Restraints
column, then click the blinking arrow button.
ii. When the Piping Restraints screen appears, click Add Row to generate a new restraint
for the pipe segment.
iii. Since the restraint should act in the Global Y direction only, select Global Y from the
Restraint Type column.
iv. The spring which is being simulated will have a linear stiffness of 1.0e5 lbf/inch. Specify
this value in the Stiffness input column.
v. Specify the Base Node ID which is used to uniquely identify this Base Node. In this
example, the Base Node ID is Spring1. Recall that this same variable name was used
as the End Label within Piping Run #1. Now that the Base Node ID and restraint is
created, Piping Run #1 and Piping Run #2 are tied together by the user defined stiffness
in the Global Y direction.
vi. Click OK to return to the main piping input form.
Piping Input for Piping Run #2
Piping Restrain Input for Piping Run #2, Row #2

7. To illustrate the way in which the degrees of freedom will be tied together between Piping Run #1 and #2,
the user can apply two directional loads to the free end of Piping Run #2. One load will be in the Global Y
direction and one load in the Global Z direction. To define these end loads, use the following steps:
a. In Row #3, the last input segment for Piping Run #2, click on the cell within the column End
Forces, then click the blinking arrow button .
b. When the Piping Loads screen appears, specify 10,000 lbf in the weight case for the Global Y and
Global Z directions, in the Weight and Operating load cases.
c. Click OK to return to the main piping input form.
Piping Restrain Input for Piping Run #2, Row #3
8. All of the input should now be complete. Next, click the RUN FE button in the main Nozzle/PRO interface
screen to run the analysis. The results should indicate that only the Global Y degree of freedom has been
linked between Piping Run #1 and #2.
a. Since only the Global Y direction degree of freedom is tied between Piping Run #1 and #2, there
should only be displacement in the Global Y direction for Piping Run #1. There should be no
displacement in the Global Z direction (other than a very small amount translated thru the shell
model due to torsion loading of the shell model by Piping Run #2).
b. Results from the FEA are shown below. Global Y displacements are shown in the figure at left.
As expected, the Base Node has tied the Global Y degree of freedom between Piping Run #1 and
#2, resulting in Y displacements. Since the Base Node has only linked the Global Y displacement,
there are no other displacements translated through the base node tie. Therefore, even though a Z
direction load is applied to Piping Run #2, it is not translated to Piping Run #1 as shown in the
right-hand figure.
Left Global Y displacement showing affect of Base Node. Loads are transferred in Global Y direction.
Right Global Z displacement. Note that Base Node did not transmit Global Z loads or displacements.

Chapter 5 Section 3
Axisymetric 2d and Brick Models
Axisymetric 2d and Brick models may be constructed for spherical, elliptical, dished or conical heads. (Although
there are some restrictions for conical heads.)
Nozzles can only be in the center of axisymetric 2d head geometries but may be shifted off-center for brick
axisymetric models.
Axisymetric models are selected by clicking the Axisymetric Heads and Skirts radio button on the Options
form. Text boxes on the other NozzlePRO forms that do not apply for axisymetric models are grayed. Some
typical axisymetric model geometries are shown below:
There is extensive help throughout the axisymetric modeling data screens. The main axisymetric data form is
shown below:

Several examples will best display the recommended uses for the axisymetric 2d and brick modeler.
Start with a basic elliptical head and center manway nozzle description.
Enter a pressure of 1750 psi.

And a 1.25 inch fillet between the nozzle and head. Since we plan on radiusing the fillets, reduce the stress
concentration from 1.35 to 1.1.
The default model is a 3d shell model. The D/T ratio is 40/2 = 20 for the head. The default shell model and peak
outside and inside stresses are shown below.
The large white zone in the middle between the nozzle and the outer ring is the weld zone, which is inside the
material. The shell model attempts to compute the stresses where failure most often occurs in an externally
loaded, and pressurized geometry, which is on the outside surface at the toe of the fillet. To check these stresses
using the axisymetric modeler click on the Axisysymetric Heads and Skirts radio button, and then set the model to
analyze a nozzle in a top head. Click the check boxes for adding a radius to the inner and outer corners, and since

the boundary condition is apparently affecting the inside peak stress at the edge of the nozzle put a blind flange
boundary condition on the end of the nozzle. NozzlePRO will design a flange so that the flange ring bending
stresses are within allowables, and then select other thicknesses according to good proportions, so the flange
dimensional data can be left blank. The inputs for this model are shown below.
The results from the axisymetric 2d calculation are shown graphically below:

The 3d viewer can be used to interrogate the stresses more carefully, since we are interested in seeing how close
our shell model results match the axisymetric model results.
The high stress pointer clearly shows that the highest stress in the nozzle is on the outside at the nozzle to shell
junction at the toe of the radiused weld. The stress at the flange attachment is also seen to be higher on the inside
than on the outside as shown in the shell model, but is only seen to be about 10,452 psi.
The stress output from the axisymetric 2d and brick analysis is the stress intensity range. The stress intensity range
is twice the alternating peak stress intensity which is the stress used in ASME Section VIII Division 2 Appendix 5
as Pl+Pb+Q+F, so to find Pl+Pb+Q+F for comparison against Code fatigue curves, and for comparison with
NozzlePRO Pl+Pb+Q+F calculations the peak stress intensity range must be divided by 2:
33,631 / 2 = 16,815 psi.

This compares very favorably to the Pl+Pb+Q+F value found in the NozzlePRO run of 15,487 psi. (especially
when one considers that the reduction from 1.35 to 1.1 for the SCF for radiusing welds.)
This model can be turned into a brick model by clicking the brick radio button on the Axisymetric Model Data
form: . The resulting brick model results are shown below:
The difference between the brick model results and the 2d axisymetric results is that the default model for bricks
uses two elements through the thickness, where the default model for a 2d axisymetric analysis uses six eight
noded elements through the thickness. The plots below illustrate the difference:
2d Axisymetrc Default Mesh Brick Default Mesh
The brick model can certainly be improved using the mesh multiplier, but run times increase significantly as the
model size increases. Users should simply be aware of the differences and adjust their engineering evaluation
accordingly. Turning OFF stress averaging for brick models will improve this condition.
Overturning Moments on Skirts:
The outside diameter of the vessel and skirt is 60 inches. The skirt is 0.75 inches thick and the vessel is (2) inches
thick. The total design weight of the vessel is 64,000 lb. The horizontal g load from IBC 2000 is 0.62. The
center of gravity of the vessel is 25 feet above the tangent line. Five feet of the vessel above the tangent line will
be modeled, so the overturning moment at the section of the vessel five feet above the tangent line will be:
(64,000)(0.62)(25-5) = 739,600 ft.lb.

The shear load at this section will be:
(64,000)(0.62) = 39,680 lb.
There will not be a nozzle included in the bottom head. The main form input for this problem is shown below.
The 10 nozzle dimension is entered because a valid nozzle OD and wall thickness are required inputs on this
screen.
In the Optional Data form ask for axisymetric heads and skirts:
Click on Bottom Head Only, Include Skirt, No Nozzle, Brick Half-Model, and then Skirt Data.

Fill in the skirt data screen as shown below. Note that there are numerous buttons to help with interpretation
of geometry.

The loads are entered on the Overturning Moment Data Form and the model can be plotted:
The stress intensities due to this load are shown below in plots from the 3d viewer.


Chapter 5 Section 4
Skewed Structural Supports in NozzlePRO.
To skew a structural support, start with a regular support. A typical T type structural attachment is shown
below:

When the graphic window is displayed the user can select Settings:Stamps to get the following dialog box:
When Plate Points is checked the points used by NozzlePRO and FE/Pipe are shown on the plot:

The first step will be to shift the points on the end of the T section in the t direction 7 inches. This will be the
points 7, 8, 9 and 11. There is no facility in NozzlePRO to do this so the FE/Pipe editor will need to be used. In
the optional form the user would set the Use FE/Pipe Editor During Run checkbox as shown below. Note that
the Leave Data Files box is checked automatically. This is so that files edited by the user can be reused. (Once
were happy with our changes we dont want to have to continue remaking them.)

When the FE Run is started the following FE/Pipe screen is displayed:

The 7-Plate Geometry option should be selected:
Plate Points should be selected from this screen.

As can be seen in the bottom right-hand corner there are 15 plate point screens. (There are 15 points possible for
the variety of structural cross sections available in NozzlePRO.) The PageUp and PageDn key moves between the
different screens. Page down until the first point that should be moved is shown. This is point 7:

Note that point 7 has a status of 3 it is removed from the surface as might be expected. The ? key can be
used when the cursor is in any of the data cells to get help for the particular cell. Since the end points should be
shifted from their current positions by 7 inches in the t local direction the input for points, 7,8,9 and 11 will be
changed as shown below:

These changes produce the skewed structural support shown below:

Using the changes in the r, s and t directions users can typically skew any NozzlePRO support in any manner
needed. Since the movement of points is usually a trial and error procedure, we want to be able to do two things:
1) Go thru the change-plate point-plot procedure iteratively until the desired model is obtained.
2) Reuse the existing geometry once it is available.
At some point using the NOZZLE.IFU file produced by NozzlePRO will be easier than going through the
NozzlePRO backdoor to make changes to the FE/Pipe model. The user will have to decide how to best proceed on
a problem-by-problem basis. Using NozzlePRO for structural supports is convenient because NozzlePRO
distributes moments and shears over the structural attachment in a manner consistent with load distribution
through structural section shapes. Without this load distribution procedure flanges might end up carrying vertical
shear loads that they will not typically support and high, unreasonable stresses will result. Anyway, it is for the
user to decide which is the best way to proceed once he is aware of the available options.
The control of the input files occurs through the optional screen:
The last checkbox is the critical one. If left unchecked, whenever the NozzlePRO user requests a plot or an FE-
Run NozzlePRO will overwrite any existing input file with the current data. If checked, then whenever the
NozzlePRO user requests a plot or an FE-Run the existing FE/Pipe input file is used and the current
NozzlePRO input is ignored. Using these options the user can make changes to thicknesses for example, and rerun
the model without having to go through the model alteration process. If the user wants to change the loads on a
structural attachment however, he can either change them in the FE/Pipe input if comfortable with this, or must go
back to NozzlePRO to make the changes. In this case the FE/Pipe file must be overwritten with the new loads
and any geometry changes will have to be reentered. We generally go to this much trouble for two reasons:
1) We want to use the NozzlePRO load distribution algorithms.
2) We want the output in a NozzlePRO format.
At any point FE/Pipe can be used with the NOZZLE.IFU input file produced, but the user must be somewhat
familiar with FE/Pipe to get the reports and graphics that come automatically from NozzlePRO.
Users should find however, that once the changes that have to be made to a geometry are known, that remaking
them after a load change is not such a big problem. This approach can also be used to add multiple nozzles or
supports to a NozzlePRO geometry but support for this is not considered part of the standard NozzlePRO
capability, and only FE/Pipe users should attempt these more significant modifications.
A more meaningful example will be shown below:

The model will be similar to the one shown above. The load will be carried through the bolt section. Since flanges
dont transmit vertical load in the persence of webs, the load will be carried through the web section at the bolt-
hole section. This is demonstrated below:
The 14 length of the starting orientation was chosen arbitrarily. Once chosen however it is a significant number
since the points 7,8,9 and 11 will have to be moved from the end of the 14 section to the location where we want
them.
The point 9 will move from the (r,s,t) coordinate: (5,14,5.66) to the (r,s,t) coordinate:
(5,4sin(45),4sin(45)+11.313/2) = (5,2.828, 8.485), the point 8 will move from the (r,s,t) coordinate (5, 14, 0) to
the (r,s,t) coordinate (5,8sin(45),8sin(45)) = (5,5.657, 5.657). The point 7 will move from the (r,s,t) coordinate
(5,14,-11.313/2) to the (r,s,t) coordinate (5, 12sin(45),12(sin45)-11.313/2) = (5,8.485, 2.83). The point 11 is below

point 8 will be moved from an (r,s,t) coordinate of (-5, 14,0) to (0,8sin(45),8sin(45)) This will put node 11 on the
centerline in the vertical direction and will create the proper shear area at the bolt centerline section.
The original input for this model in NozzlePRO is shown below:
The plot with Settings:Stamps:Plate Pts is given below: (Remember to check the box to use the FE/Pipe data editor
so that plots can be generated from the changed geometry.)

The original plate point 9 is shown below:
The new point 9 location will just be typed over the original location. (The change from one to the other could be
entered. The user should input whatever seems easiest for him.)

The support is shown below:


Chapter 6 Section 1
WRC Comparisons
In general WRC 107 comparisons to FE/Pipe results are excellent when thin shells are analyzed and when the
model is within the accepted parameters of WRC 107. Nozzles in the centers of heads are evaluated most
accurately. Most WRC107 programs give the stress intensity at four points around the nozzle on both the inside
and outside of the geometry. This stress is usually compared to 3Sm and is caused by all operating loads on the
nozzle. The resulting stresses from a WRC 107 run of this type should be compared to the Pl+Pb+Q stresses from
the finite element calculation. Note that Pl stresses evaluated in accordance with ASME Section VIII Division 2
are membrane stresses. These are the average stresses through the thickness and do not include the bending
stress component at the junction. (See ASME Section VIII Division 2 Appendix 4 Table 4-120.1.)
WRC 297 comparisons in the vessel or header tend to be good but become overly conservative when the high
stress moves into the branch when the t/T ratio becomes less than 1.0. This result is certainly demonstrated in the
finite element calculation.
WRC 107 tends to be somewhat less conservative than finite element results, but that WRC 107 results parallel FE
calculations through d/D ranges of 0.1 to 0.8, where the WRC and Finite element curves cross, the WRC 107
results becoming much more conservative beyond this range. (When the approach used outside of WRC curve
parameters is last curve value.)
The following list summarizes areas where WRC 107 ad WRC 297 are considered weak, or where further concern
should be displayed:
a) d/D > 0.5

b) t/T < 1.0
c) Pad reinforced nozzles
d) Hillsides or laterals
e) Area replacement rules for pressure are barely satisfied and large D/T.
f) Temperatures are approaching the creep regime.
g) Cycles are greater than 5000.
h) Design and operating conditions are approximately the same.
i) The load consists of high-pressure stresses and high loads.
j) The Piping attached to the nozzle is long, flexible, and somewhat unrestrained.

Chapter 6 Section 2
Engineering Considerations
High Temperature These are temperatures in the creep range for the material usually in the 700 to- 850 deg.
F range and higher. ASME Section VIII Division 2 does not directly address creep range applications, and so
actual calculations have been left to the interpretation of the user. It is suggested that users in these high
temperature regimes enter ASME Section VIII Division 1 allowables. (Division 2 does not give allowables for
these temperatures.) Nuclear Code Case N253 can also be used to compute a high temperature fatigue limit for
Pl+Pb+Q+F stresses.
What the Code Inspector Sees Since the use of finite elements as a regular design tool is fairly new, Code
inspectors vary in what they expect to see with regards to an analysis. In general, a cover letter followed by the
listed tabular reports and color prints of the plotted results has been enough to satisfy most Code inspectors. The
cover letter usually states that the included reports have been reviewed by a registered professional engineer and
were found to satisfy the necessary Code section requirements for stress. In general, an inspector wants to be able
to look at the input listing and see the correct allowable stresses, diameters, wall thicknesses and pressures. It is
expected that some guidelines will be published in the near future that give the inspector additional guidance, and
that give the user more freedom in pursuing less conservative designs.
External Pressure Where external loads and external pressure act simultaneously on a large or thin-walled
opening, elastic instability may be of concern. The standardly applied ASME Section VIII Division 2 Code rules
do not explicitly address elastic instability. There are nonlinear approaches available within the full version of
FE/Pipe to deal with this problem should it arise. FE/Pipe can be started with the NOZZLE.IFU file described
above, and an elastic instability (elastic buckling) calculation performed on the geometry to be sure that buckling
load factors exceed the Codes intended buckling safety factor of 3. Elastic instability load factors for pressure
vessel and piping geometries usually exceed 10. When the calculated load factors are in the 4-to-5 range extra
care is warranted because non-simulated events such as wind gusts, frictional sliding transients, etc. can induce
momentary overloads that result in the initiation of catastrophic buckling.
Orthotropic Materials The orthotropic material model has not been installed in NozzlePRO but is available in
the full version of FE/Pipe.
Pressure Stiffened Shells - Basketball, football and soccer players are familiar with the significant stiffening
effects of even relatively low pressures on thin, membranes. This effect is also seen in the pressure stiffening of
shell membranes used in piping and vessel systems. The effect tends to be more pronounced in plastic systems,
but Rodabaugh suggests that design pressures might reduce the flexibility by about a factor of 3 for out-of-plane
moment and thrust loads and by about half that much (1.2 to 1.5) for in-plane moments.) The effect of pressure
stiffening is a nonlinear effect included in the full version of FE/Pipe, but not available in NozzlePRO.
Factors of Safety Whereas the ASME Code rules are based on experience and tested results, the intention is to
provide a consistent factor of safety for the varieties of different vessel and piping systems designed. In general,
the factor of safety against fatigue cracking is two on stress. This means that in a perfect world, if the Pl+Pb+Q+F
stress is equal to the allowable the component would fail at the end of its design cycle life at twice that stress
level. The factor of safety against gross collapse or distortion is about 4 or greater. This means that in a perfect
world, if the Pl stress is equal to the allowable the component would suffer a pressure boundary failure (burst), at
somewhere between 4 to- 8 times the load that caused that stress.
Flanged Ends For larger d/D and d/t ratios it is known that the l/d ratio and the rigid end stiffnesses can affect
pressure stresses in the junction (l is the length of the branch). The 3D shell cylinder-to-cylinder models used in
NozzlePRO attempt to put what is essentially an infinitely long pipe on the end of the cylinder-to-cylinder branch
connection by default. Flanges are almost always stiffer than pipe, however, bolt loads and rotations of blinds can
result in greater stresses at the shell intersection. Detrimental effects due to this condition may result in noticeable
plastic deformation during hydrotest or in a leaking joint. Blind and matching flanged end nozzles are provided in
the axisymmetric 2D and brick model options. The user is encouraged to investigate this effect further using these
tools.

Chapter 6 Section 3
Finite Element Philosophies, Element Types, Etc.
Standard Element Type The basic element used in NozzlePRO is the eight-noded reduced integration curved
shell element. While more difficult to formulate and solve using active column techniques, and subject to several
inconsistent deformation modes, the element nevertheless has been found to be remarkably insensitive to shape
and less sensitive to size than many of the more formally derived element types. Stiffness convergence is good
even with the crudest mesh and non-averaged stress calculations give a good visual indication of the adequacy of
the stress state. The element is basically the same curved shell element used in the Ansys program as STIF93. The
formulation can be found in many finite element texts, one being:Concepts and Applications of Finite Element
Analysis, by Cook, Malkus, and Plesha, 3rd ed., John Wiley & Sons.
Special formulations are provided for transferring six degree-of-freedom piping-type forces and moments into
shell models to prevent inadvertent local transfer of torsional moments into the shell. Adjustments are also made
to the element Jacobian if needed to properly condition poorly shaped elements.
Stress Concentration Factors Default stress concentration factors are used at as-welded joint locations for peak
stress evaluations to bring the calculated shell stresses inline with observed fatigue test results. This approach has
been used for over nine years at PRG in Houston. The only stress classification affected by the stress
concentration is Pl+Pb+Q+F. The membrane stress Pl, and the secondary stress Pl+Pb+Q+F is the stress intensity
calculated directly by the shell finite element procedure evaluated using the ASME Section VIII Division 2 tensor
combination directions.
High temperature considerations, pressure stiffening, orthotropic materials, and elastic instability (buckling) are
discussed under the topic Other Engineering Considerations.
Mesh Density While every effort has been made to produce dependable meshes and gradients based on the
variety of geometries there will be some configurations that will not be adequately meshed. It remains to the user
to review the displayed stress patterns and to determine if these errant conditions exist, but in the majority of cases,
if the stress distribution looks reasonable, the values are correct. New algorithms are being designed that will
further improve the mesh quality and that should produce dependable solutions in a wider variety of situations.
Extreme geometries will tend to produce the more difficult meshes. For example, a straight nozzle in the center of
an elliptical head will be meshed correctly every time, whereas a pad reinforced nozzle on the knuckle of a dished
head may have greater difficulties. The program will at times adjust pad and/or nozzle dimensions and locations
to improve the quality of a mesh at the expense of model geometric accuracy. In these cases messages are printed
in the Input Data report that should be reviewed. If the user is ever concerned that an adjustment made by the
modeler produces a significant change in the solution results he is encouraged to vary the parameter himself in
subsequent runs to assure himself that any changes or assumptions made by the program are inconsequential to the
overall high stress behavior.
Element Sizes at Discontinuities Element sizes near discontinuities of importance are influenced both by major
geometric dimensions, the square root of RT, the anticipated stress decay, and by experience in running multiple
similar geometries. Should the user think that mesh refinement or mesh alteration is essential for a particular
problem the analyst may follow the How to Get Help procedure and submit the geometry for developer review.
(See the section: How to Get Help.)
Shell Models vs 3D Models Axisymmetric 2d and brick models of head and skirt geometries were added in
Version 4.0 of NozzlePRO. The axisymmetric quad element is eight-noded, including four midside nodes along
with the four corner nodes. The brick element used is the eight-noded brick element with extra shape functions to
permit bending modes. Stress tensor components are extrapolated from the gauss points to the node points for
plotting and tabular results. The axisymmetric 2d and brick elements were added primarily to:
1) Allow users to verify shell models of the same geometry.

2) Permit a more accurate analysis of thick-walled intersections
3) Analyze geometries not directly amenable to shell solutions, such as non-integral repads and
overturning moments on skirts.
4) More accurately calculated cyclic pressure stresses in thick-walled geometries.
5) Address basic steady state and transient heat transfer and stress problems.
The user is strongly encouraged to compare the results from different model types. A center nozzle in a head
subject to pressure only loads can be changed from a shell model to an axisymmetric 2d model by a single mouse
click. Comparing these results can be quite informative.

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Paulin Research Group

Paulin Research Group

Tel: 281-920-9775 Fax: 281-920-9375

Chapter 1 About Nozzle Pro

Chapter 2 Using NozzlePRO

Chapter 3 Interpreting and Using the Results

Chapter 4 Saddle Supports and Pipe Shoes

Chapter 5 Advanced Models

Chapter 6 Special Topics

19- Help Buttons Throughout

Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.1.1

26- Elemental Smoothing

32- New File Handling

33- Dynamic Units Switching

34- Load Translation Calculator

35- Pull Down Menus and User Navigation

36- Improved Brick Meshes of Nozzles in Heads

37- Example Models Using NozzlePRO

3d Viewer Screen Structural Attachment Options Unstructured Mesh

Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.1.2

Pipe Shoe Triple-Plate Support Head Structural Support

Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.1.3

Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.1.4

Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.2.1

Example Problem Description Difference with FEA

WRC 107 Stress at Junction: 21,490.psi.

B31 Piping Code: Se = (io)(Mo)/Z = (6.1)(1.1E6)/(120.3) = 55,777 psi

So the actual stress is 1/ 5th B31 Value

Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.3.1

Straight Lateral (45) Hillside B31.3

WRC 107 Line Load(3) FEA

Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.3.2

Box (6 Pad) (41,299) Triple-Plate (42,311) Inverted Tee(75,275)

Example 6 Using FE/Pipe and Nozzle/PRO SIFs in Pipe Stress Programs:

io = (0.9)[(tH)/(RmH)]2/3. > 1.0

Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.3.3

Example 1 - Process Feed Line (Pad Reinforced Nozzle)

Building the Nozzle/PRO Model (Build and analyze in 6 steps)

Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.4.1

Step 2 of 6 Select Input Units (English or SI)

Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.4.22

Step 3 of 6 Select a Base Shell Type and input Vessel Dimensions

Note these inputs are described in

Step 4 of 6 Select a Nozzle/Attachment Type and input the dimensions

Note these inputs are described in

Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.4.33

Step 5 o f 6 Input Loads

Step 6 of 6 Run and Review Results

The Nozzle/PRO screen should appear as shown below.

Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.4.44

WRC 107 Stress at Junction: 21,490.psi.

FEA is 3.2 times higher than WRC 107

Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.4.5

Example 2 - Gas Riser

Determine the Header SIF for the Overhead Line in 6 Steps

Step 2 of 6 Select Input Units (English or SI)

Step 3 of 6 Select a Base Shell Type and input Vessel Dimensions

Note these inputs are described in

Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.4.66

Step 4 of 6 Select a Nozzle/Attachment Type and input the dimensions

Note these inputs are described in

Step 5 of 6 Change the OPTIONS screen to calculate header or header SIFs

Copyright (c) 2007 by Paulin Research Group 1.4.77