The scope of this analysis was to perform buckling analysis on a tank under the external operating pressure. Stiffening rings were added to the outside of the shell and the head to eliminate the buckling.

A non-linear Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed to determine the possibility of a local and/or global structural buckling instability in a process column under a partial vacuum of -1.5 psig. A local area, with various thin sections, was investigated for possible failure during the operation of the column. The resulting stress intensities, strain, and deformation were analyzed using the general intent of ASME Section VIII, Division 2 code.

The scope of this analysis was to perform thermal and structural analyses of the furnace under their operating conditions. A three dimensional Finite Element Model (FEM) of the furnace was constructed and analyzed to verify the stress levels. 2015 ASME Section VIII, Division 2, Part 5 was used as a guide to perform the analyses.

The thermal model included all the relevant components required for the complete thermal stress analysis. The convection coefficients were applied to the interior and exterior surfaces of the components. An initial analysis indicated the radiation effects were substantial compared to the convective heat transfer coefficients. Therefore, surface to ambient and surface to surface radiation phenomenon was also considered to achieve the desired temperatures on the cooling jacket as reported in the field data. The temperature distribution resulting from these thermal analyses were then used in the structural analysis as body loads. Structural Finite Element Analyses (FEA) was performed using the load combinations prescribed in ASME Section VIII, Division 2, Part 5 to determine the stresses in the vessel.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed on a vertical reformer. Shell elements were used to model the reformer body and the attached nozzles. Static analysis was performed considering the operating pressure and temperature of the reformer, the usage of different thickness and material for construction. The effects of wind, seismic, and gravity loadings were also considered in the FEA. After determining the adequacy of the design, based on ASME Section VIII, Division 1 and Division 2, modal analyses were performed to determine the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the structure. Subsequently, harmonic analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of dynamic loads during the operation of the reformer. Coupled thermal-structural analysis was also performed to assess the effects of thermal stresses on the nozzles with high temperature gradients.

In 2001, Openso Engineering was involved in a project with Northrop Grumman Space Technology (formerly TRW), U.S. Air Force, and Lockheed Martin for development of the YAL-1A Airborne Laser (ABL) system. Openso’s responsibility included performing nonlinear buckling and fatigue analysis of a large diameter sphere and its ductwork under transient external pressure. The sphere and ductwork were part of the recharging equipment for a modified Boeing 747 aircraft equipped with a chemical oxygen iodine laser.

A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed in support of a failure analysis of the cracks/failure of the flanges, supports, and fillet welds using brick elements. The Finite Element Model (FEM) consisted of nozzles, saddles, tube-sheets, body flanges, tubes, relevant tube side heads, shells, and inlet channels. A thermal stress analysis was performed to determine the state of stresses. The state of stresses was used in determination of the fatigue life of the area of concern.

A 3D Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed for three vessels, their internal coils, and their interconnecting piping systems. The operating condition of the reactors includes the effects of the internal vessel pressure, internal coil pressure, thermal gradients, agitation loads, and gravity forces.

The scope of this project was to design and analyze a New Dryer Scrubber with the following design conditions: atmospheric pressure -35” of water column partial vacuum at 230^ºF plus max liquid level of 4’-8”. The tank and nozzles of the Scrubber were designed per API 650. The preliminary tank design was based on longhand calculations, and then analyzed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to verify the adequacy of the tank under the design conditions (nozzle loads and wind/seismic loads were provided by the customer).

A 3D Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed for the top head and internals of a reactor. The operating condition of the reactor included the effects of internal pressure, temperature gradients, agitation loads, and gravity forces.