Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is applied as part of a Level 3 Fitness-for-Service (FFS) approach to evaluate complex damage scenarios that fall outside the scope of traditional Level 1 and Level 2 assessments. This advanced methodology is especially useful when degradation is severe or when geometry, loading conditions, or material behavior introduce analytical challenges.
By leveraging non-linear modeling capabilities, FEA provides a high-resolution understanding of how defects affect structural integrity under realistic conditions, offering the flexibility needed to assess components with complex geometries, multi-axial stresses, and variable boundary conditions.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS:
Metal Loss Assessment: Evaluation of corrosion features in irregular geometries or under combined loading conditions.
Dent Assessment: Structural response analysis of dents, including those interacting with welds or containing metal loss.
Fatigue Damage Assessment: Life estimation under cyclic loading, accounting for stress concentration and local geometry effects.
Crack-like Defect Assessment: Fracture mechanics modeling of planar flaws under pressure and residual stresses.
Weld Misalignment Analysis: Assessment of local stress intensification due to angular or axial misalignment.
Bending Strain Analysis: Evaluation of strain accumulation in pipelines subject to ground movement or bending loads.
BENEFITS:
Enables integrity evaluation of components outside standard code limitations.
Reduces conservatism in critical assessments by incorporating real loading and geometry.
Supports regulatory compliance with API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 Level 3 methodology.
Provides strong technical justification for repair deferral or targeted interventions.