CH-12-C078 -- Comparison of Simplified Computational Methods of Flexibility Analysis to Determine Thermally Developed U-bend and L-bend Anchor Forces PDF

Thermal expansion of piping results in significant anchor forces which can be found by several different methodologies. Comparison of these L-bend and U-bend equations was motivated by an inquiry questioning magnitudes of difference in results. Primary focus was given to explaining the large discrepancy in inquiry results. In addition flexibility analysis, bending moments, and U-bends were also researched. The ASHRAE, Kellogg, Grinnell-Spielvogel, and simple cantilever methods were compared by computing and graphing variations of multiple variables including leg lengths, diameter, and temperature. Findings suggest that ASHRAE's L-bend equation produces outlying results, and alterations tothe 2012 ASHRAE handbook are recommended.