Abstract:
"Finite Element Analysis of a Pipe Elbow Weldment Creep-Fracture Problem Using an Extremely Accurate 27-Node Tri-Quadratic Shell and Solid Element Formulation"
This paper focuses on improving the accuracy of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in the context of a pipe elbow weldment creep-fracture problem by introducing and advocating for an "extremely accurate" 27-node tri-quadratic shell and solid element formulation, specifically the hexa-27 element. Traditional FEA codes often rely on hexahedron hexa-20 elements, which, despite having nodes at corners and edges, are not fully quadratic, thereby hindering the attainment of higher accuracy. To overcome this, the authors propose the fully-quadratic hexa-27 formulation, which includes additional nodes at the center of each face and at the center of the element, enabling a superior truncation error of h 3. The paper discusses the theoretical basis and practical advantages of the hexa-27 element over its competitors. It demonstrates how this advanced element formulation is crucial for achieving higher levels of accuracy required for complex problems like creep-fracture in pipe weldments, where precise stress and deformation predictions are essential for structural integrity and safety assessments. The findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate element types to enhance the reliability and efficiency of FEA simulations, particularly in critical engineering applications.
