ARTICLE IN PRESS

International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping 85 (2008) 486–497

www.elsevier.com/locate/ijpvp

On the use of plate theory to evaluate the load relaxation

in bolted flanged joints subjected to creep
Akli Nechache, Abdel-Hakim Bouzid
Ecole de Technologie Superieure, 1100 Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3C 1K3
Received 31 January 2007; received in revised form 30 November 2007; accepted 19 January 2008

Abstract

The effect of load relaxation due to creep has a major impact on the tightness of bolted flanged joints. Several leak incidents have been
reported in the petrochemical and nuclear power plants related to creep. It is clear that the current flange design code does not address
adequately the effect of high temperature on the mechanical and leakage integrities of bolted flange joints used in pairs or with blind
cover plates. It is possible to include the creep analysis in the design methodology.
This paper outlines an analytical approach based on plate theory used to determine the creep effect of blind cover plates and flanges of
a small size on the bolt and subsequently the gasket load relaxation in bolted flanged joints. It details the theoretical procedure to predict
the creep effect of those flanges considered as plates. The results from the theoretical model are verified by comparison with 3D finite-
element results.
r 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Bolted flange joints; Bolt load relaxation; Blind cover plate; Plate creep theory; Analytical modeling; Finite-element analysis

1. Introduction introducing the effects of the thermal expansion difference

When bolted flanged joints used in pairs or with cover
plates are exposed to stresses at elevated temperatures,
materials are susceptible to a time-dependent deformation
called creep. Therefore, over time, creep causes dimen-
sional changes and distortions of the joint members and in
particular the bolt, the gasket, the cylinder, the flange and
the cover plate. These creep deflect contribute to the bolt
load relaxation as well as the loss of tightness. It is one of
the most important parameters that influence the integrity
of the bolted joint at elevated temperatures.
Other than the mechanical loads, the ASME Code flange
design [1] does not give a specific calculation procedure to
account for the bolt load relaxation due to creep and its
impact on the actual joint tightness. Presently, the ASME
Sub-Working Group on Bolted Flange Joint is working on
improving the ASME code flange design procedure by
Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 514 396 8563; fax: +1 514 396 8530.
E-mail addresses: anechache@mec.etsmtl.ca (A. Nechache),
hakim.bouzid@etsmtl.ca (A.-H. Bouzid).
and creep to better assess the leakage tightness of bolted
flanged connections. In Europe, the new flange design code
[2,3] incorporates the load loss due to the thermal
expansion difference of the joint members that is recog-
nized to cause major sealing problems in some high-
temperature applications [4,5].
In the literature, very few papers address analytically the
load relaxation in bolted joints due to long-term creep. The
first documented creep studies of bolted flanged joints were
conducted in the 30s [6–8]. At that time the focus was to
study the creep effect of the bolts and its impact on the bolt
load decrease. A simple rigid model was developed with
both the creep and the stiffening effects of the hub, the
cylindrical shell, the cover plate and the gasket were
ignored. The paper presented in [9] extends the analytical
approach of [8] by introducing the strain-hardening rule to
estimate the bolt load loss due to the creep of the flange
considered as a simple circular ring of a rectangular
section. However, the flexibilities of the gasket and the
attached structural components of the joint assembly were
not taken into account.

0308-0161/$ - see front matter r 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.ijpvp.2008.01.005
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
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Nomenclature p internal pressure, MPa2

P1 hub to cylinder discontinuity force, N/mm
a taper hub angle, rad P2 flange to hub discontinuity force, N/mm
b cylinder flexural rigidity, mm1 Q shearing force, N/mm
n Poisson’s ratio of joint element r radial position of flange or plate, mm
y rotation of joint element due to combined rh hub outer radius at flange intersection, mm
loading, rad ri flange/shell inner radius, mm
e1,2 dimensionless position on hub ro flange outer radius, mm
r hub flexural rigidity, mm1/2 rb bolt circle radius, mm
e strain rg effective gasket radius, mm
_ strain rate S1–S12 function depending on ber, ker, bei, kei, ber0 ,
s stress, MPa ker0 , bei0 , kei0
Ds stress variation, MPa tf flange thickness, mm
s_ stress rate, MPa/h tp plate thickness, mm
Dt time increment, h u radial displacement of joint element, mm
Ac, m, ncreep constants for steady state of joint element w axial displacement of joint element, mm
Ag full gasket contact area, mm2 w_ rate of axial displacement, mm/h
Ab bolt area, mm2 z axial coordinate, mm
C1–C4 hub constant of integration
Df flange flexural rigidity, Nmm Superscript
Dp cover plate flexural rigidity, Nmm
c creep
E Young’s modulus of joint element, MPa
f final state
Fb bolt force, N
i initial state
Fg gasket force, N
Feq equivalent force, N
Subscript
Kp cover plate uniaxial stiffness, N/mm
Kb bolt uniaxial stiffness, N/mm y circumferential
Kg gasket uniaxial stiffness, N/mm b bolt
M1 hub to cylinder discontinuity moment, mmN/ c creep and cylinder
mm e effective
M2 flange to hub discontinuity moment, mmN/mm p plate
Mr, My bending moment, mmN/mm f flange
Mf total equivalent flange moment, in N/mm g gasket
N longitudinal force in cylinder, N/mm r radial
Pt total load, N z axial

Recently, successful models based on the elastic interac-
tion of the bolted joint elements were developed to study
non-metallic gasket creep [10–12]. However, due to the lack
of gasket creep data, the models were only validated for
short-term periods ranging from 5 to 10 h. A model based
on the creep and elastic interaction of all joint elements
presented in [13,14] accurately predicts load relaxation. The
model considers the creep of the bolts and the flange and
treats the latter as a ring. The creep effect of other attached
structures such as the hub and the cylinder is added in [15].
As a result, in some cases it was found that the combined
bolt–gasket–flange creep induced a loss of gasket load of
more than half of its initial preload value.
Finite-element analysis of bolted flanged joints subjected
to creep can be retraced as far as the early 70s. In [16] strain
hardening creep law of the joints members was carried out
to evaluate the load relaxation. The authors ignore the
creep of the gasket due to the lack of creep data. Other
more recent FE- studies are cited in the survey by Mackerle
[17]. Due to its relative simplicity, accessibility and ease of
use, the analytical method is more attractive comparatively
to FEM.
In a previous paper [14], it was shown that for flanges
having large ratio of outer to inner diameters, ring theory is
not adequate to represent accurately the creep behavior of
the annular flange ring. In addition to cases of the creep
behavior of bolted joints with cover plates, this paper deals
with those flanges that behave like plates with central hole.
Based on the work of [18,19], a model has been developed
to predict the load loss in these two cases.
2. Analytical model
2.1. Analytical interaction model
The basic elements that form a bolted flanged joint are
the flange, the bolts, the gasket and the cover plate when
applicable. The flange is composed of three different
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
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elements namely, the shell, the hub and the flange plate.  The bolt is represented by a linear elastic spring while
Creep is a behavior that takes place in the three space the gasket non-linear behavior is considered according
coordinates. A one-dimensional creep behavior such as to the approach detailed in [20].
that already covered in [10,11] in the case of the gasket and
the bolts, generates displacement in the axial direction 2.1.1. Radial displacements and rotations
which produces relaxation of the bolt. In addition, creep in The radial displacements and the rotations at the
the axial direction due to plate bending of the flange ring junctions of cylinder–hub and hub–flange are given in
and the cover plate makes the bolt relax more. Finally, the [21]. These deflections are caused by the discontinuity loads
junctions of the cylinder–hub and hub–flange represent and the cylinder, hub and flange creep.
geometrical discontinuities. As with pressure, when creep
takes place, different radial displacements and distortions 2.1.2. Axial displacement
at these junctions are generated for each individual joint The axial displacements of the different components of
element. As a result, this relative movement creates a the joint are caused by the mechanical and creep loads.
barreling effect of the flange which relaxes the bolts. These are given as follows:
The model used is similar to the one developed in [14] to
which plate bending is added. Equilibrium and compat- 2.1.2.1. Gasket. The axial displacement of the gasket is
ibility in both the radial and axial directions are used to given by:
solve the problem. Fig. 1 shows the analytical model with
the different joint elements treated as follows: F fg ðtÞ X c
wfg ¼ þ w_ g Dt, (1)
Kg
 The cylindrical shell is treated using the theory of beam where Kg is the equivalent gasket stiffness that depends on
on an elastic foundation. the level of stress reached during bolt-up and is obtained by
 The flange is considered as a circular plate with a central linear interpolation of unloading curves as described in
hole or a fully circular plate in the case of a blind cover [20]. It should be noted that the gasket load Fg changes
plate. with time due to creep.
 The hub is treated as cylindrical shell with linear varying
thickness.
2.1.2.2. Bolt. The axial displacement of the bolts is given by:
F fb ðtÞ X c
wfb ¼ þ w_ b Dt, (2)
N Kb
where Kb represents the rigidity of the bolts as defined in [21].
p
Shell

u+ 2.1.2.3. Flange. The axial displacement of the flange ring

CL at the bolt circle is a result of elastic and creep components.
θ+
It is given by:
x X
P1
M1 wff ¼ we þ w_ cf Dt, (3)
N
z1 M1 where we is the elastic axial displacement of plate with central
P1 hole subjected to the bending moment, it is given by [22].
z2 α
z
th 2.1.2.4. Blind cover plate. In the case of a blind cover
Hub plate, the axial displacement is given by:
P2 X
M2 F fg ðtÞ F fb ðtÞ
N wfp ¼ 0  00  a0 p þ w_ cp Dt, (4)
P2 M2 Kp Kp
Mf where K0 p, K00 p and a0 are constants given in [23] and w_ is
tf given in Appendix A.
Flange ring
p 2.1.3. Axial displacement compatibility
Gasket Bolt
The final forces and moments in the joint during
operation are in relation to those applied during bolt-up.
Plate The statically indeterminate joint structure is solved by
considering the axial displacement compatibility. This is
obtained by considering the nut axial displacement
characterized by the number of turns carried out during
Fig. 1. Analytical model. initial tightening. This displacement remains unchanged
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
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2 3
during operation; it is calculated by the sum of all axial 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
displacements of the individual joint elements 60 0 0 1 0 0 07
6 7
Dn ¼ Swi ¼ Swf , (5) B¼6 7. (12)
40 0 0 0 0 0 05
Dn ¼ wig þ wib þ wip þ wif ¼ wfg þ wfb þ wfp þ wff , (6) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
therefore C is a matrix formed with the hub influence coefficients for
F ig F ib F fg ðtÞ X c F f ðtÞ the radial displacement, rotation, edge load and moment
þ þ C 5 wif þ C 6 ¼ þ w_ g Dt þ b
Kg Kb Kg Kb applied at the junction with the flange ring and the cylinder
X influence coefficient for radial displacement and rotation,
c f
þ w_ b Dt þ C 5 wf þ C 7 þ C 8 .
2
(7) 1=2
z2 ber0 ð2 Þ z2
1=2
bei0 ð2 Þ
6
The bolts and gasket creep axial displacements are not 6 3=2 3=2
6 z2 z2
6 S1 ð2 Þ S 2 ð2 Þ
taken into account in this paper as these were the subject of 6
6 2 2
previous papers [10,11]. 6
6 E f a3 r2 z1=2 E f a3 r2 z2
1=2
6 2
For a pair of identical flanges, 6 24ð1  n2 Þ S 5 ð2 Þ 
24ð1  n2f Þ
S 6 ð2 Þ
6 f
6
C5 ¼ 2 and C 6 ¼ C 7 ¼ C 8 ¼ 0. (8) 6
6 E f a z2
3 1=2 1=2
E f a3 z2
C¼6
6 48ð1  n2 ÞS 9 ð2 Þ S 10 ð2 Þ
For a flange with a cover plate 6 f 48ð1  n2f Þ
6
6
F ig F ib F fg ðtÞ F fb ðtÞ 6 0 0
C 5 ¼ 1; C6 ¼  ; C7 ¼  00  a0 p 6
6
K 0p K 00p K 0p Kp 6 0 0
X 6
6 0 0
and C 8 ¼ w_ cp Dt. (9) 6
6
6 0 0
4
In addition, by considering continuity at the junctions as
0 0
well as equilibrium of forces and moments, a system of 13 3
1=2 1=2
equations with 13 unknowns is obtained as detailed in [21] z2 ker0 ð2 Þ z2 kei0 ð2 Þ 0 0
7
" # 3=2 3=2 7
A B z2 z2 7
S 3 ð2 Þ S4 ð2 Þ 0 0 7 7
C D 2 2 7
 ½ C1 C2 C3 C4 P1 M1 P2 M2 uh1 yh1 uh2 yh2 F fb ðtÞ  7
E f a3 r2 z2
1=2
E f a3 r2 z2
1=2 7
 2
S 7 ð2 Þ  S 8 ð2 Þ 0 0 7 7
¼ ½U, 24ð1  nf Þ 24ð1  n2f Þ 7
7
(10) 7
E f a3 z2
1=2
E f a3 z2
1=2 7
S 11 ð2 Þ S 12 ð2 Þ 0 0 7 7
where A is matrix formed with the hub characteristics for 48ð1  n2f Þ 48ð1  n2f Þ 7
 7,
the radial displacement, rotation edge load and moment 1 1 7 7
0 0 7
applied at the junction with the cylinder 2b3s Ds 2b2s Ds 7
7
2 7
1=2 1=2 1 1 7
z1 ber0 ð1 Þ z1 bei0 ð1 Þ 0 0 7
6 2b2s Ds bs Ds 77
6 3=2 3=2 7
6 z1 z1 0 0 0 0 7
6 S 1 ð1 Þ S 2 ð1 Þ 7
6 2 2 7
6 0 0 0 0 7 5
6
A ¼ 6 E f a3 r2 z11=2 E f a3 r2 z1
1=2
0 0 0 0
6 S 5 ð 1 Þ  S 6 ð1 Þ
6 24ð1  n2 Þ 24ð1  n2f Þ ð13Þ
6 f
6
6 1=2 1=2
4 E f a3 z 1 E f a3 z 1
S ð
9 1 Þ S 10 ð1 Þ 2 3
48ð1  n2f Þ 48ð1  n2f Þ 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
6 0 0 0 0 0 0 7
1=2 1=2 3 6
6
1 7
7
z1 ker0 ð1 Þ z1 kei0 ð1 Þ 0 0 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 7
7 6 7
3=2 3=2 7 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 7
z1 z1 7 6 7
6 7
S 3 ð1 Þ S 4 ð1 Þ 0 0 7 6 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 7
2 2 7 6 7
7 D¼6
6 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 7,
7
1=2 1=2 7 6   7
 E f a3 r2 z1 E f a3 r2 z1 7, 6 ri K 2 þ 1 tf 7
 S 7 ð 1 Þ  S 8 ð 1 Þ 1 0 7 6 þ n 0 0 0 1  0 7
24ð1  nf Þ 2 24ð1  nf Þ 2 7 6 E f tf K 2  1 f
2 7
7 6
6
7
7
7 6 r i tf ri E f t3f rb  rg 7
3 1=2 3 1=2 7 6  0 0 0  7
E f a z1 E f a z1 5 4 2rm rm 2pri Y prm 5
S ð
11 1 Þ S ð
12 1 Þ 0 1
48ð1  n2f Þ 48ð1  n2f Þ 0 0 0 0 0 C5 C9

(11) (14)
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
490 A. Nechache, A.-H. Bouzid / International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping 85 (2008) 486–497

2 3
r2 ð2  nf Þ including identical flange pairs and flanges with cover
6 h p  uch1 7 plates as shown in Fig. 2 were run. Because of symmetry of
6 2E f gx1 7
6 7 both geometry and loading, only an angular portion that
6 r2 ð2  nf Þ 7
6 h p  ych1 7 includes half of the bolt is modeled. In the case of
6 2E f gx21 7
6 7 assemblies with identical flange pairs, only one flange
6 gri 7
6  p 7 including half of the gasket thickness is modeled because of
6 4 7
6 7 symmetry with respect to a plane that passes through the
6 r2h ð2  nf Þg2 7
6  p 7 gasket mid-thickness. In the case of a flange with cover
6 7
6 12ð1  n2f Þ 7 plate, a portion of both components is modeled.
6 7
6 2
rh ð2  nf Þ 7 The general-purpose numerical FE program Ansys 9.0
6  p  uh2 c 7
6 7 [24] was used to run two identical flange pairs namely a SO
6 2E f gx2 7
6 7 NPS3 class 150 joint and a WN NPS 4 class 150 joint, and
6 r 2
ð2  n Þ 7
6  h f
p  yh2 c 7 three flanges with cover plates namely a NPS 16 class 300
6 2E f gx2 2 7
6 7 joint, a 24 in and a 36 in heat exchanger joints. These
U ¼6
6 gri 7.
7 (15)
6  p 7 flanges are made of SA106 forged steel or SA182T304
6 4 7 stainless steel used with A-193 B7 bolts. The loading is
6 2 2 7
6 rh ð2  nf Þg 7 applied in three stages. The initial bolt-up is first achieved
6  p 7
6 12ð1  nf Þ 2 7 by applying an axial displacement to the bolt to produce
6 7
6 7 the initial target bolt stress of 275 MPa to the SO NPS3
6 ð2  ns Þr2i c 7
6  p  us 7 class 150 and 172 MPa to the WN NPS 4 class 150 flange as
6 2E t 7
6 s s 7 well as 205 MPa to the NPS 16 class 300, 24 in and 36 in
6 ys T 7
6 7 heat exchanger flanges used with cover plates. Pressure is
6   7
6 ri K 2
þ 1 7 then applied in the radial direction while the hydrostatic
6 c7
6 E ðK 2  1Þ þ n p  uf 7 end thrust is simulated by an equivalent longitudinal stress
6 f f 7
6 7 applied to the shell. Finally, in the last stage, creep was
6 2
ðri  rg Þðrg þ ri Þ 2 7
6 p 7 applied to the flange materials. As mentioned previously,
6 2rm 7
4 5 creep of the gasket and bolts was purposely not considered
C 9 F ib þ C 5 wif þ C 10  C 8 in the analysis as the prime focus was the creep contribu-
tion of the flange material. It is to be noted that for the case
And for a pair of identical flanges
  of the WN NPS 16 class 300 flange, creep was considered
1 1 Ap with no pressure applied.
C9 ¼ þ and C 10 ¼ p. (16)
Kb Kg Kg Two creep material properties were considered. The
creep constants Ac, m and n are 3.85  1015, 5.35 and 0.22
For a flange with a cover plate
! or 7.5  1017, 5.5 and 1, respectively [25,26]. The first
1 1 1 1 Ap Ap material constants were applied to the NPS 16 class 300
C9 ¼ þ þ  and C 10 ¼ þ  a0 p, flange with cover plate while the second constants were
K b K g K 0p K 00p K g K 0p
applied to the SO NPS3 class150, WN NPS 4 class 150, 24
(17) and 36 in heat exchangers flanges.
where Ap is the pressurized area given by One type of gasket was used; a corrugated metal
sheet, CMS, for all flanges. The mechanical behavior of
pG2
Ap ¼ . (18) the gasket is represented by non-linear loading and
4 unloading curves of gasket contact stress versus axial
The 13 unknowns namely C1, C2, C3, C4, P1, M1, P2, M2, displacement [14].
uh1, yh1, uh2, yh2 and Ffb are solved. When, after a time
interval, the bolt load Ffb is known, the gasket force is 4. Results and discussion
obtained using the axial equilibrium relationship:
F fg ðtÞ ¼ F fb ðtÞ þ Ap p. (19) It is important to note that the long-term behavior of a
bolted flange joints operating at high temperature is very
This procedure is repeated at each interval of time Dt, until difficult to predict because of several phenomena that can
the required total creep time is reached. take place simultaneously besides creep. Thermal degrada-
tion due to exposure, weight loss due to exposure and
3. Finite-element modeling corrosion are just to name a few. Nevertheless, the major
contributing factor remains creep. Depending on the type
To validate the proposed analytical model that estimates of flange and gasket configuration, the relative importance
the load relaxation due to creep, comparison was made of the creep effect in order is in general the gasket, then the
against the more accurate three-dimensional numerical bolt followed by the flange ring treated as a ring or plate
FE method. Several FE models of different assemblies [10,11,14]. The hub, shell and cover plate are comparatively
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
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Fig. 2. 3D finite-element models.

300 flange material creep can cause considerable relaxation of

the bolt and gasket loads. In previous papers [14,15], the
flanges were modeled as rings and in some cases the
250 relaxation loads were not realistic and in particular,
those flanges with a large outer to inner diameter ratio.
Bolt stress relaxation, MPa

Fig. 3 shows the results of the bolt load relaxation of

200
a SO NPS 3 class 150 which belongs to this category.
It can be seen that the load relaxation curve of the
150 analytical model based on plate theory fits much
better with the FEA results compared with ring theory.
Cylinder creep
Flange creep However, the difference between the ring and the plate
100 Flange & cylinder creep
Bolt-up = 275 MPa
creep theories in terms of bolt load relaxation up to
Pressure = 0.75 MPa 10,000 h due to creep of the flange, without considering the
CMS Gasket creep of the cylinder, is roughly 30%. On the other hand,
50 Solid lines : FE model (Ansys) 17% difference is obtained when the creep of the cylinder
Dotted lines : Analytical model
Filled markers: Ring theory and the flange are combined together which is obviously
unfilled markers: Plate theory more realistic. The separate flange–cylinder creep study is
0 to pin point the importance of using the appropriate
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000
theory.
Time, hours
The same analysis is conducted for the WN NPS 4 class
Fig. 3. Bolt stress relaxation of the SO NPS 3 cl 150. 150 to illustrate the comparison of results in term of bolt
load relaxation from the ring and the plate creep theories.
Results obtained from the creep of the different elements
of less importance for raised face flanges [15]. The load (cylinder, hub and flange ring) acting separately and
relaxation that can be induced depends essentially on the combined together are well summarized in Fig. 4. It is
global axial joint rigidity, the initial gasket seating stress, well depicted that the analytical model curve captures with
the operating time and the creep materials properties. fidelity the major trend of the FEM results. The bolt load
relaxation results obtained from ring theory are not in
4.1. Flanges used in pair good agreement with FEA. However, results achieved with
plate theory are in significantly better agreement with FEM
For a particular bolted joint, the load relaxation depends compared with ring theory. The difference when the flange
on the amount of creep that takes place within its different ring is made to creep alone between the two theories is
joint elements. Besides the gasket and bolt material creep, around 18%. Nevertheless, after 10,000 h, 12% difference
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
492 A. Nechache, A.-H. Bouzid / International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping 85 (2008) 486–497

180 310
Plate creep
Bolt up= 205 MPa Flange creep
No Pressure Plate & flange creep
150 280
Bolt stress relaxation, MPa

120

Bolt relaxation, MPa

250

90 220
Cylinder creep
Flange creep
60 Flange & cylinder creep 190
Bolt-up = 172 MPa
Pressure = 0.68 MPa
CAF Gasket
Solid lines : FE model (Ansys)
30 160 Solid lines : FE model (Ansys)
Dotted lines : Analytical model
Filled markers : Ring theory Dotted lines : Analytical model
unfilled markers : Plate theory
0
130
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000
Time, hours
Time, hours
Fig. 4. Bolt stress relaxation of the WN NPS 4 cl 150.
Fig. 5. Bolt stress relaxation of NPS 16 cl 300 cover plate.

is obtained for the combined creep effect that includes the

cylinder, the hub and flange ring. 250

Bolt up= 215 MPa

4.2. Flanges with blind cover plates Pressure=0.069 MPa

For the case of flanges with blind cover plates, the 200 Plate Creep
performance of the proposed approach is checked through Flange Creep
Bolt relaxation, MPa

Plate & Flange Creep

comparisons with FEM results for three different flange
sizes. Figs. 5–7 illustrate the bolt load relaxation for the
case of the creep of the flange and the blind cover plate 150
separately and combined. For the case of the flange creep,
Solid lines : FE model (Ansys)
the bolt load relaxation after 10,000 h is around 28% for Dotted lines : Analytical model
the NPS 16 class 300, 67% for the 24 in heat exchanger and
62% for the 36 in heat exchanger. However, the bolt load
100
relaxation induced by the blind cover plate creep is about
20% for the NPS 16 class 300, 28% for the 24 in heat
exchanger and the 50% for 36 in heat exchanger. Notwith-
standing, the induced bolt load relaxation for the combined
creep effect of the flange and the blind cover plate increases 50
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000
by 6% for the NPS 16 class 300 and the 36 in heat
Time, hours
exchanger compared with the flange creep alone.
For the case of the 24 in heat exchanger, it is found that Fig. 6. Bolt stress relaxations of 24 in HE cover plate.
the bolt load relaxation induced by the combined creep
effect is practically equal to the flange creep alone. It is
worth noting that this result is valid for the 24 in heat
exchanger only. In general, if a blind cover plate of a bolted Fig. 8 depicts the gasket stress decrease caused by the
joint is overly designed, the stresses would be small for it to combined creep effect of the flange and the cover plate. It is
creep and therefore relaxation would result from other shown that the gasket load relaxation after 10,000 h is
more stressed joint elements that could either be the bolt, about 30% for the NPS 16 class 300, 67% for the 24 in heat
the gasket or the flange ring. This does not exclude or exchanger and 70% for the 36 in heat exchanger. These
include certain type of flanges but a case by case study results can give a good indication as to the tightness
would have to be conducted to evaluate load relaxation performance deterioration of the bolted joint. Never-
with particular focus to those flanges operating at high theless, the objective here is to show the good agreement
temperature where creep might be an issue. between the proposed approach and FEA.
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250 This is due to the fact that, in general, cover plates are
Bolt up= 205 MPa more rigid and are subjected to much lower stress than
Pressure=0.69 MPa annular rings. Nevertheless, the model can be used to verify
the adequacy of flange geometry and bolting in high-
200 temperature applications or to simply evaluate the impact
of creep on the bolt load loss.
Bolt relaxation, MPa

Plate Creep
Flange Creep
Plate & Flange Creep Appendix A. Theory of plates subjected to creep
150
Creep of plates subjected to bending has been addressed
by several authors [18,27–29]. For convenience, a method
based on Penny’s approach used in this work is presented
100 hereafter.
Considering the flange as a plate subjected to bending
(Fig. A1) and neglecting the radial displacement caused by
Solid lines : FE model (Ansys)
pressure, the radial and tangential strains including creep
Dotted lines : Analytical model
components are given as follows:
50
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 d2 w 1
Time, hours r ¼  z ¼ ðsr  np sy Þ þ cr ,
dr2 Ep
Fig. 7. Bolt stress relaxation of 36 in HE cover plate. z dw 1
y ¼  ¼ ðsy  np sr Þ þ cy . (A.1)
r dr E p
120.00 R tp =2
NPS 16 cl 300 Multiplying by tp =2 z dz and noting that M r ¼
Heat Exchanger 24'' R tp =2 R tp =2
100.00 Heat Exchanger 36'' tp =2 sr z dz and M y ¼ tp =2 sy z dz the radial and tangen-
tial moments Mr and My can be obtained as
 2 
Gasket relaxation, MPa

80.00
d w np dw
Mr ¼  D þ
dr2 r dr
Z tp =2 Z tp =2 !
Solid lines : FE model (Ansys) Ep c c
60.00 Dotted lines : Analytical model  r z dz þ np y z dz ,
ð1  n2p Þ tp =2 tp =2
 
1 dw d2 w
40.00 My ¼  D þ np 2
r dr dr
Z tp =2 Z tp =2 !
Ep c c
20.00  y z dz þ np r z dz , (A.2)
ð1  n2p Þ tp =2 tp =2

where D is the flexural rigidity and is given by

0.00
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 E p t3p
D¼ . (A.3)
Time, hours 12ð1  n2p Þ
Fig. 8. Gasket stress relaxation of flanges with blind cover plates.
dQ
(Q+ dr)(r+ dr)dθ
Mθdr dr
(r+ dMr
5. Conclusions dr (Mr + dr)(r +dr)dθ
)d dr
dθ p θ
The use of an analytical method in predicting bolt load Mθdr rd
2 θ tf
loss due to creep in bolted joints can be an adequate tool if dr
the physical phenomenon is comprehended correctly. An Mr rdθ
analytical model based on plate theory to treat flange Qrdθ
annular rings having large inner to outer diameter ratio Mθdr
and flanges with blind cover plates to evaluate the load dθ
Mθ dr
relaxation due to creep has been developed successfully. dθ r 2
It was found that the flange annular ring contributes up
to 30% of total relaxed load in the cases of flange pairs and
up to 6% in the cases of flanges with blind cover plates. Fig. A1. infinitesimal element of plate bending.
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
494 A. Nechache, A.-H. Bouzid / International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping 85 (2008) 486–497

Taking moments about a line in the tangential direction following expressions:

and neglecting the terms of the second order, the following     
Ep d2 w z dw c c
equilibrium equation is obtained: sr ¼ z þ n p    r  n 
p y ,
ð1  n2p Þ dr2 r dr
d     
My ¼ ðrM r Þ þ Qr. (A.4) Ep z dw d2 w c c
dr sy ¼  þ n p z   y  n p  r .
ð1  n2p Þ r dr dr2
Substituting Eqs. (A.2) into Eq. (A.4) gives
! (A.12)
Z Z tp =2
1 dw d2 w 12 tp =2 c 12 c
D þ np 2 þ 3  z dz þ 3 np r z dz To obtain the solution of Eqs. (A.10) and (A.11), a case of
r dr dr tp tp =2 y tp tp =2 a circular plate with a central hole corresponding to a
0 3 1
d w d2 w d2 w flange ring and a case of a fully circular plate correspond-
B r dr3 þ dr2 þ np dr2 C ing to a cover plate have been examined. The general
B C
B C solution of axial displacement, rotation and moment of
B 12r d R tp =2 c R tp =2 c C
B C curvature corresponding to the elastic state are given in [22]
¼ DB þ t3 dr tp =2 r z dz þ np tp =2 y z dz C þ Qr.
B p C and has been adapted to suit the two treated cases.
B C
B 12R t =2 R tp =2 c  C
@þ p
 c
z dz þ n  z dz A
r p y A.1. Flange ring
t3p tp =2 tp =2

(A.5) This case is treated as circular plate with a central hole,

simply supported at the inner radius subjected to an
After simplification Eq. (A.5) becomes
equivalent ring force caused by the discontinuity edge
  
d3 w 1 d2 w 1 dw d 1 d dw Q F dG loads, the bolt load and the gasket reaction force.
þ  ¼ r ¼ þ þ , The boundary conditions for this case are given as
dr3 r dr2 r2 dr dr r dr dr D r dr
follows:
(A.6)
M r ðri Þ ¼ 0,
where
Z M r ðro Þ ¼ 0,
tp =2
12 wðri Þ ¼ 0. (A.13)
F¼  ð1  np Þðcr  cy Þz dz,
tp =2 t3p
Z tp =2
The displacement w, the rotation and the moment
12 curvature are obtained as given in [22] (Fig. A2).
G¼  3 ðcr þ np cy Þz dz. (A.7)
tp =2 tp
Differentiating Eq. (A.6) with respect to time gives:
  
d 1 d dw_ F_ dG_
r ¼ þ . (A.8) M2 Fb
dr r dr dr r dr
P2
By considering the material incompressible when creep
starts to take place, the volume constancy equation is tp
applicable, and therefore
ri
_ cr þ _cy þ _cz ¼ 0, (A.9) Fg
ro
where _ cz ¼ 0 and _cy and _cr are given by differentiating
Eq. (A.1):
   Z =
d 1 d dw_ 1 tp =2 12
r ¼  ð1  np Þð_cr  _cy Þz dz
dr r dr dr r tp =2 t3p
Z Feq
d tp =2 12 c
 ð_ þ np _cy Þz dz. (A.10)
dr tp =2 t3p r
tp
At time t ¼ 0 and considering a lateral pressure on the
plate, Eq. (A.6) reduces to ri
  
d 1 d dw Q
r ¼ . (A.11) ro
dr r dr dr D
From Eqs. (A.1), the radial and tangential stresses
generated at any point of the plate are given by the Fig. A2. Equivalent load on the flange ring.
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
A. Nechache, A.-H. Bouzid / International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping 85 (2008) 486–497 495

A.2. Cover plate bolt load, gasket reaction force. The analysis is carried out
using the superposition method as shown in (Fig. A3):
The case of a cover plate is treated as a circular plate The boundary conditions for these cases are given as
simply supported at the outer radius subjected to pressure, follows:
M r ðro Þ ¼ 0,
yðri Þ ¼ 0,
p
wðro Þ ¼ 0. (A.14)
Fb
The displacement w, the rotation y and the moment
tp curvature are given in [22] (Fig. A3).

A.3. Creep analysis

Fg
rg
At time t40, the solution of Eq. (A.10) is given as
ro rg follows:
dw_ C 3 C4 I 1
¼ rþ þ ,
dr 2 r r
=
d2 w_ C 3 C 4 dI 1 I 1
¼  2 þ  ,
dr2 2 r r dr Z r2
C3 2 I1
w_ ¼ r þ C 4 ln r þ dr þ C 5 , (A.15)
4 r
tp where
Z Z
r2 A=2
F_ 1 A=2 _
I1 ¼ dr þ ð2G  F_ Þr dr (A.16)
2 B=2 r 2 B=2
rb
and
ro Z A=2 " Z A=2
I1 1
dr ¼ ln r ð2G_  F_ Þr dr
B=2 r 2 B=2
+ Z A=2 #
 _ _
ln rð2G  F Þr dr . (A.17)
B=2

tp The rate of the radial moment is

 2 
M_ r ¼ D d w_ þ nf dw_  G_ . (A.18)
Fg dr2 r dr
rb
By replacing the rates of rotation and curvature given by
ro Eq. (A.15) and substituting for I1 by Eq. (A.16), the rate of
the radial moment of Eq. (A.18) becomes

+ M_ r ¼  D ð1 þ np Þ C 3  ð1  np Þ C 4 þ ð1 þ np Þ
p
2 r2 2
Z _ Z 
F ð1  np Þ
 dr  ð2G_  F_ Þr dr . (A.19)
r 2r2
tp
The rate of tangential moment is given as follows:
 
_ 1 dw_ d2 w_
My ¼  D þ np 2
rg r dr dr
Z tp =2 Z tp =2 !
ro Ep
 _cy z dz þ np _cr z dz . (A.20)
ð1  n2p Þ tp =2 tp =2

Similarly, substituting for the rates of rotation and

Fig. A3. Superposition method used in the cover plate case. curvature into Eq. (A.20), and after development and
 ARTICLE IN PRESS
496 A. Nechache, A.-H. Bouzid / International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping 85 (2008) 486–497

simplification, the rate of tangential moment is obtained as creep. This depends essentially on the stationarity of the
  discontinuity forces which act between the cylinder–hub
_ C3 C4 _
M y ¼  D ð1 þ np Þ þ ð1  np Þ 2 þ I 2  I 3 þ np G and hub–flange, and depends also on the creep material
2 r
! constants. Thus, the axial displacement and the rotation
Z tp =2 Z tp =2
Ep through the radius of the plate due to the creep of a
 _ cy z dz þ np _cr z dz . (A.21)
ð1  n2p Þ tp =2 tp =2
material are calculated.

By applying the corresponding boundary conditions, for an w ¼ we þ Sw_ Dt,

interval of very small time one has what follows: dwe dw_
For the case of flange ring M _ r ðri Þ ¼ M
_ r ðro Þ ¼ wðr
_ iÞ ¼ 0 y¼ þS Dt. (A.25)
dr dr
which gives
In the same way, the axial displacement at the bolt location
2½ðI 2 ðri Þ þ I 3 ðri ÞÞðri Þ2  ðI 2 ðro Þ þ I 3 ðro ÞÞðro Þ2  and the rotation at the inner radius of the plate can be
C3 ¼ ,
ð1  np Þððro Þ2  ðri Þ2 Þ obtained.
ðI 2 ðri Þ þ I 3 ðri Þ  I 2 ðro Þ  I 3 ðro ÞÞðri Þ2 ðro Þ2
C4 ¼ ,
ð1  np Þððro Þ2  ðri Þ2 Þ
 Z  References
C3 2 I1 
C5 ¼  r þ C 4 ln r þ dr  . (A.22)
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_ r ðrio Þ ¼ yðr _ oÞ ¼ 0 Appendix 2, 2001.
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 Z  developments. In: Proceedings of 2006 ASME pressure vessels and
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     [6] Bailey RW. Flanged pipe joints for high pressure and temperatures.
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