Strain measurement of pressure equipment components using 3D Digital Image Correlation method

Abstract

Pressure equipment has widespread application in various industrial sectors. Due to this variety, pressure equipment can have complex structure and is subjected to different working loads (static, dynamic, thermal etc.) during the operation life that can cause failure. Strain measurement of complex structure has always been a huge challenge for researchers. Conventional experimental methods (e.g. strain gauges) give only limited data sets regarding measurement on critical areas with high geometrical discontinuities. 3D Digital Image Correlation method is an optical method that enables full-field strain measurement of critical areas on structural components. Sphere/cylinder junction is common geometrical discontinuity on pressure equipment and globe valve housing was chosen as representative example. In this paper, globe valve housing was subjected to external axial loading caused by pipeline dilatations. Highest measured von Mises strain values around 0.15 % were recorded on cylinder/sphere intersection. Determining strain state of critical areas enables better understanding of complex structures and provides an opportunity for further development and improvement for practical industrial application.