Analysis of the stress field in a model of pipe branches

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze the stress field of a complex geometry model of pipe branches loaded with internal pressure of 10 bar. The analysis will be done by comparing method of strain gauges and a new one (state-of-the-art) 3D optical method to finite element method, as a numerical method. Finite element method is used to determine critical points (places of expected stress concentration) in the branch. In these places (or at least close to them) strain gauges are placed. The main limitation of the method of strain gauges is that it is not possible to place them anywhere. Whole stress field can be obtained using a system for 3D optical stress measurement based on the method of digital image correlation (Aramis system). Comparing the results of strain gauges and Aramis-system the advantages and disadvantages of modern and classical experimental methods are shown.