Stress Analysis & Mechanical Integrity Flashcards
7 cards from real SPED practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Stress Analysis & Mechanical Integrity flashcards as text
In ASME B31.3 piping stress analysis, what does the sustained stress range include?
Answer: Pressure, weight, and other sustained mechanical loads
Sustained stresses in ASME B31.3 encompass pressure, weight, and other continuously applied mechanical loads.
Which flexibility analysis method is considered the most rigorous for complex piping systems?
Answer: Finite element analysis (FEA)
Finite element analysis provides the most accurate and rigorous stress results for complex piping geometries.
What is the primary purpose of an expansion loop in a piping system?
Answer: Provide flexibility to absorb thermal growth
Expansion loops add piping flexibility that allows the system to absorb thermal expansion without overstressing equipment nozzles or supports.
A piping system experiences a thermal anchor force of 50,000 lb. This force is most critical for which component evaluation?
Answer: Equipment nozzle load evaluation
Anchor forces from thermal expansion are transmitted directly into connected equipment nozzles, which must be evaluated against manufacturer allowable loads.
Under ASME B31.3, the allowable displacement stress range (SA) increases when which condition applies?
Answer: Unused sustained stress allowance is available
ASME B31.3 allows the unused portion of the sustained stress allowance (Sh) to be added to SA, increasing the permissible displacement stress range.
What distinguishes a rigid support from a spring support in piping design?
Answer: Rigid supports restrain all movement; spring supports permit controlled vertical movement
Rigid supports resist pipe displacement in all constrained directions, while spring supports allow vertical thermal movement while still carrying the pipe load.
In piping stress analysis, a 'cold spring' is applied to:
Answer: Reduce operating stresses by pre-stressing the piping in the cold condition
Cold spring involves cutting the pipe short (or long) so installation pre-stresses it, reducing stresses during thermal expansion in service.