Chapter IV Error Checking, Static Load Cases, and Analysis

Training on Caesar II
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BAB IV
ERROR CHECKING,
LOAD CASE, and
STATIC ANALYSIS
Chapter IV Error Checking, Static Load Cases, and Analysis
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4.1. Error Checking
Static analysis cannot be performed until the error checking
has been successfully completed.
Only after error checking is completed are the required
analysis data files created.
CAESAR II does not allow an analysis to take place if the
input has been changed and not successfully error checked.
Error Checking can only be done from the
input spreadsheet, and is initiated by
executing the Start Run or Batch Run
commands from the toolbar, menu or the
Quit options menu (the Quit options menu
appears upon closing the spreadsheet).
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4.2. Quit Options Menu
The Start Run command exits the input
processor, starts the error checking
procedure and returns the user to the
Main Menu for further action.
The Batch Run command causes the
program to check the input data, analyze
the system, and present the results
without any user interaction.
Batch processing focuses the users attention on the creation of
input and the review of output by expediting the steps in between.
Once invoked, the error checker reviews the CAESAR II model
and alerts the user to any possible errors, inconsistencies, etc.
These items are presented to the user as Errors, Warnings, or
Notes.
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Errors are flagged when there is a problem with the model due
to which analysis cannot continue. An example is if no length
of element is defined for a piping element. This error must be
corrected before continuing.
Example of
Fatal Error
Dialog
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Warnings are flagged whenever there is a problem with a model
which can be overcome using some assumptions. An example of this
would be if an elements wall thickness is insufficient to meet the
minimum wall thickness for the given pressure (hoop stress).
Warnings need not be corrected in order to get a successful analysis,
but all warnings should be reviewed carefully by the user as they are
displayed.
Example of
Warning
Dialog
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Note Dialog, this third category of alert is the informational note. These
messages simply inform the user of some noteworthy fact related to the
model. An example of a note may be a message informing the user of
the number of hangers to be designed by the CAESAR II program. For
notes, there is nothing for the user to correct.
Example of
Note Dialog
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.
4.3. Available Commands for Error Checking
OK Indicates that the message has been reviewed by the
user, and the error checking should continue.
Cancel Cancels error checking and returns to the Main
Menu.
File Print Prints the most recent message.
File - Print All Prints all messages.
Option Restart Restarts the error checking process.

Option - Fatal Only Causes the program to display only
fatal
error messages, ignoring notes and warnings.
Option Off Turns off, or ignores subsequent
occurrences of, the most recently displayed message.
Option - Return Returns to the piping input processor.
This is generally selected when a fatal error must be fixed.
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Once error checking has been completed, the program then performs a few
miscellaneous calculations such as those for nozzle flexibilities and the
center of gravity report (these calculations may be printed out with the
Miscellaneous Data reports in the Static Output Processor).
Once the model has been successfully error-checked, the user must
generate the required files in order to continue the analysis. This is done by
pressing OK with the Generate Files option selected on the closing dialog.
4.4. Error Checking Closing Dialog
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4.5. Building Static Load Cases
The first step in the analysis of an error-checked piping model
is the specification of the static load cases. This is done by
selection of the Analysis-Static options from the CAESAR II
Main Menu (model should be error free).
Upon entering the static load case editor, a screen appears
which lists all of the available loads that are defined in the
input, the available stress types, and the current load cases
offered for analysis. If the job is entering static analysis for the
first time, CAESAR II presents a list of recommended load
cases. If the job has been run previously, the loads shown are
those saved during the last session.
A typical load case editor screen is shown below:
Chapter IV Error Checking, Static Load Cases, and Analysis
Training on Caesar II
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Chapter IV Error Checking, Static Load Cases, and Analysis
Training on Caesar II
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The user can define up to ninety-nine load cases.
Load cases may be edited by clicking on a line in the
Load List area.
Only the load components listed in the upper left-hand
portion of the screen may be specified in the load cases.
The entries must be identical to what is shown on the
screen.
Available stress types are specified at the end of the load
case entry in parentheses. Stress type determines the
stress calculation method and the allowable stress to use
(if any).
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Edit-Insert This command inserts a blank load case
preceding the currently selected line in the load list. If no
line is selected, the load case is added at the end of the list.
Load cases are selected by clicking on the number to the
left of the load case.
Edit-Delete This command deletes the currently selected
load case.
File Analysis This command accepts the load cases and
runs the job.

Recommend This command allows the user to replace
the cur-rent load cases with the CAESAR II recommended
load cases.
Load Cycles This button alternatively hides or displays
the Load Cycles field in the Load Case list. Entries in these
fields are only valid / required for load cases defined with
the fatigue stress types.
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4.6. Providing Wind Data
Up to four different wind load cases may be specified for any
one job.
The only wind load information that is specified in the piping
input is the shape factor. It is this shape factor input that
causes load cases WIN1, WIN2, WIN3, and WIN4 to be listed
as an available load to be analyzed.
More wind data is required, however, before an analysis can
be made. When wind loads are used in the model, CAESAR II
makes available the screen to define the extra wind load data.
Once defined, this input is stored and may be changed on
subsequent entries into the static analysis processor.
To specify the wind data needed for the analysis select the tab
entitled Wind Load for the appropriate wind load case. The
screen shown below appears:
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Chapter IV Error Checking, Static Load Cases, and Analysis
Training on Caesar II
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4.7. Specifying Hydrodynamic Parameters
Up to four different hydrodynamic load cases may be
specified for any one job.
Several hydrodynamic coefficients are defined on the
element spreadsheet. The inclusion of hydrodynamic
coefficients causes the loads WAV1, WAV2, WAV3,
and WAV4 to be available in the load case editor.
A CAESAR II hydrodynamic loading dialog is shown
in the following figure.
Chapter IV Error Checking, Static Load Cases, and Analysis
Training on Caesar II
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Chapter IV Error Checking, Static Load Cases, and Analysis
Training on Caesar II
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4.8. Execution of Static Analysis
The static analysis performed by CAESAR II follows the
regular finite element solution routine. Element stiffness
are combined to form a global system stiffness matrix.
Each basic load case defines a set of loads for the ends
of all the elements. These elemental load sets are
combined into system load vectors.
Using the relationship of force equals stiffness times
displacement (F=KX), the unknown system deflections
and rotations can be calculated.
The known parameters, however, may change during
the analysis as hanger sizing, non-linear supports, and
friction all affect both the stiffness matrix and load
vectors.
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The root solution from this equation, the system-wide
deflections and rotations, is used with the element stiffness
to determine the global (X,Y,Z) forces and moments at the
end of each element. These forces and moments are
translated into a local coordinate system for the element
from which the code-defined stresses are calculated.
Forces and moments on anchors, restraints, and fixed
displacement points are summed to balance all global
forces and moments entering the node.
Algebraic combinations of the basic load cases pick up this
process where appropriate - at the displacement, force &
moment, or stress level.
Once the setup for the solution is complete the calculation of
the displacements and rotations is repeated for each of the
basic load cases. During this step, the Incore Solution
status screen appears.
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Incore Solution Module
This screen serves as a monitor of the
static analysis. The screen is broken
down into several areas.
The area on the upper left reflects the
size of the job by listing the number of
equations to be solved and the
bandwidth of the matrix which holds
these equations. Multiplying the
number of equations by the bandwidth
gives a relative indication of the job
size.
This area also lists the current load
case being analyzed and the total
number of basic load cases to be
solved. The iteration count, as well as
the current case number, shows how
much work has already been
completed
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The right side of the solution screen
provide information to the user
regarding status of non linear restraints
and hangers in the job. Nonlinear
restraints status may be stepped
through on an individual basis by using
the [F2]/[F4] function keys.
In the lower left screen of the big box
are two bar graphs which indicate
where the program is in an individual
solution. These bar graphs illustrate
the speed of the solution.
By checking the data in this first box,
an experienced user will have a good
idea of how much longer to wait for the
results.
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Static Output Screen
Following the analysis of the system deflections and rotations, these
results are post-processed in order to calculate the local forces,
moments, and stresses for the basic load cases and all results for the
algebraic combinations (e.g. DS1-DS2). Theses total system results
are stored in a file with the suffix _P (e.g. TUTOR_P)*.
During this post processing, the Status screen lists the current element
for which the forces and stresses are being calculated. Once the last
elements stresses are computed, the output processor screen is
presented. It is through this menu the graphic and tabular results of the
analysis can be interactively reviewed by the user.
Notes :
* The _A or input file or the _P or output file are all that is required to archive
the static analysis.
The remaining scratch files may be eliminated from the system without any
impact on the work completed.
Chapter IV Error Checking, Static Load Cases, and Analysis
Training on Caesar II
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Chapter IV Error Checking, Static Load Cases, and Analysis
Training on Caesar II
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4.9. Notes on CAESAR II Load Cases
Definition of a Load Case
In CAESAR II terms, a load case is a group of piping system loads that are
analyzed together, i.e., that are assumed to be occurring at the same time. An
example of a load case is an operating analysis composed of the thermal,
deadweight, and pressure loads together. Another is an as-installed analysis of
deadweight loads alone.
A load case may also be composed of the combinations of the results of other
load cases; for example, the difference in displacements between the operating
and installed cases. No matter what the contents of the load case, it always
produces a set of reports in the output which list restraint loads, displacements
and rotations, internal forces, moments, and stresses.
Because of piping code definitions of calculation methods and/or allowable
stresses, the load cases are also tagged with a stress category. For example,
the combination mentioned above might be tagged as an EXPansion stress
case.
The piping system loads which compose the basic (non-combination) load sets
relate to various input items found on the piping input screen. The table below
lists the individual load set designations, their names and the input items which
make them available for analysis.
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Designation Name Input items which activate this load case
W Deadweight
Pipe Density, Insulation Density (with insulation
thickness), Fluid Density, or Rigid Weight
WNC Weight
Pipe Density, Insulation Density (with insulation
thickness), Rigid Weight
T1
T2
T3
.
.
.
T9
Thermal Set 1
Thermal Set 2
Thermal Set 3
.
.
.
Thermal Set 9
Temperature #1
Temperature #2
Temperature #3
.
.
.
Temperature #9
P1
P2
P3
.
.
.
P9
Pressure Set 1
Pressure Set 2
Pressure Set 3
.
.
.
Pressure Set 9
Pressure #1
Pressure #2
Pressure #3
.
.
.
Pressure #9
Designation Name Input items which activate this load case
Chapter IV Error Checking, Static Load Cases, and Analysis
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Designation Name Input items which activate this load case
D1
D2
D3
.
.
.
D9
Displacement Set 1
Displacement Set 2
Displacement Set 3
.
.
.
Displacement Set 9
Displacements (1
st
vector)
Displacements (2
nd
vector).
Displacements (3
rd
vector).
.
.
.
Displacements (9
th
vector)
F1

F2
F3
.
.
.
F9
Force Set 1

Force Set 2
Force Set 3
.
.
.
Force Set 9
Forces/Moments (1
st
vector), cold spring (Material # 18 or
19), and spring initial loads
Forces/Moments (2
nd
vector)
Forces/Moments (3
rd
vector)
.
.
.
Forces/Moments (9
th
vector)
Designation Name Input items which activate this load case
(continued)
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Designation Name Input items which activate this load case
WIN1
WIN2
WIN3
WIN4
Wind Load 1
Wind Load 2
Wind Load 3
Wind Load 4
Wind Shape Factor
Wind Shape Factor
Wind Shape Factor
Wind Shape Factor
WAV1
WAV2
WAV3
WAV4
Wave Load 1
Wave Load 2
Wave Load 3
Wave Load 4
Wave Load On
Wave Load On
Wave Load On
Wave Load On
U1
U2
U3
Uniform Loads
Uniform Loads
Uniform Loads
Uniform Loads (1
st
vector)
Uniform Loads (2
nd
vector)
Uniform Loads (3
rd
vector)
Designation Name Input items which activate this load case
(continued)
Note :
Available piping system loads are displayed on the left hand side of the
Static Load Case screen.
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Basic load cases may consist of a single load such as WNC for an as-installed
weight analysis, or they may include several loads added together such as
W+T1+P1+D1+F1 for an operating analysis. The stress categories: SUStained,
EXPansion, OCCasional, OPErating, and FATigue are specified at the end of the
load case definition. The complete definition of the two examples are: WNC
(SUS) and W+T1+P1+D1+F1 (OPE). Each basic load case is entered in this
manner in a list for analysis.
Note : Available stress types are displayed in the lower left hand side of the Static
Load Case screen.
Results of the basic load cases may be combined using algebraic combination
cases. These algebraic combinations are always entered following the last of the
basic load cases. Combinations of basic load cases are designated using the
prefix DS, FR or ST to indicate whether the combination is done at the
displacement, force, or stress level respectively followed by a number indicating
the order of the basic load case in the load list. The two former combinations (DS
and FR) are done algebraically (signs are considered), while the last (ST) is
combined absolutely. Combination load cases should also have stress types
assigned.
Note : Summing load cases at the DS level is important when signs must be
considered, such as for a EXPansion case,. Summing load case results at the
ST level is important when stresses must be combined absolutely, as for an
OCCasional case.
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Load Case Designation Comments
1 W+T1+P1+D1+F1 (OPE) The operating Load Case
2 W+P1+F1 (SUS) The installed Load Case (for sustained stress
calculations)
3 U1(OCC) A uniform Load Case modeling a seismic load
4. DS1-DS2(EXP) The difference between the displacements of
Load Case #1 (operating) minus the displacements
of Load Case #2 (installed); the displacement range
of the piping; used to calculate expansion stress range
going from cold to hot.
5 ST2+ST3(OCC) The stresses from Load Case #2 (sustained) plus
the stresses from Load Case #3 (occasional);
used to compare the occasional stresses with their
allowable.
A Valid example of algebraic combinations of load cases
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Case # 1 W+D1+T1+P1+F1 (OPE) ....OPERATING
Case # 2 W+P1+F1 (SUS)....SUSTAINED LOAD CASE
Case # 3 DS1-DS2 (EXP)....EXPANSION LOAD CASE
Recommended Load Cases

Most users will specify only one temperature and one pressure.
Such input would simplify the recommended cases to:
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Case # 1 W+F1 ....WEIGHT FOR HANGER LOADS
Case # 2 W+D1+T1+P1+F1 ....OPERATING FOR HANGER TRAVEL
Case # 3 W+D1+T1+P1+F1 (OPE) ...OPERATING (HGRS. INCLUDED
Case # 4 W+P1+F1 (SUS) ....SUSTAINED LOAD CASE
Case # 5 DS3-DS4 (EXP) ....EXPANSION LOAD CASE
Recommended Load Cases for Hanger Selection
A typical set of recommended load cases for a single operating
load case spring hanger design appears as follows: