TOC.

doc Page 1 of 2

[Link]
FEPipe 4.111 Help ››

Table of Contents

FE/Pipe Version 4.111

Released September 25, 2003

Chapter 1 Section 1 – Installation, Setup and Security

Section 2 – Getting Started, the Templates, an Example, Disclaimer & License
Section 3 – Version 4.102 Feature List
Section 4 – Loaded Support Leg Model
Section 5 – Generating Low Tank Stiffnesses for a Pipe Stress Analysis
Section 6 – WRC 107 Nozzle Design Issue
Section 7 – Head Structures – Variable-definition Template
Section 8 – Samples1 Folder Models
Section 9 – Network Installation

Chapter 2 Section 1 – ASME Code Uses and FE/Pipe Output Reports

Section 2 – Generating SIFs, Allowable Loads, Flexibilities/Stiffnesses
Section 3 – Detailed Allowable Load/SIF Discussion
Section 4 – Reviewing FE/Pipe Output Reports – Detailed Discussion
Section 5 – Meshing/Load Cases/Modeling Problems
Section 6 – Combining/Joining Model Databases
Section 7 – Nozzle, Plates & Shells Template Mesh Layout
Section 8 – Nozzle, Plates & Shells Plate/Support Modeling
Section 9 – Fluid Head & Insulation/Refractory Weight Options
Section 10 – Harmonic/Modal Dynamics, Buckling, and Nonlinear Materials
Section 11 – WRC 107/297, N318/392, Modeling, Memory & Disk Space
Section 12 – Lifting Lug Design & Analysis
Section 13 – Structural Steel AISC Code Evaluation Procedure
Section 14 – FE/Pipe Utility Menu Options
Section 15 – Solution Aborts
Section 16 – Half-Pipe Jacketed Reactors
Section 17 – Repads, Stresses, Bricks and Shells
Section 18 – Corroded Areas & Element Thickness Contours
Section 19 – Excessive Meshes & Incorrect Displacements
Section 20 – FE/Pipe Shell Weld Details

Chapter 3 Section 1 – Examples: Beam+Intersection, Beam+Head, Jackets, Multiple Nozzles

Section 2 – Examples: Input&Output, Joined Models, Dynamics, Plate Supports
Section 3 – Example: Saddles on Horizontal Vessel
Section 4 – Example: Wind Loads & Plate Model Building
Section 5 – Checking Calculations for Loads on Legs
Section 6 – Full Encirclement Saddles, Buckling & Avalanche Loads
Section 7 – Sphere Legs & FCC Nozzle Models
Section 8 – Specialty Saddle Modeling
Section 9 – Mesh Refinement & Modeling Errors
Section 10 – Oversized Branch Tee Fittings

Chapter 4 Section 1 – Unreinforced Fabricated Tee

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Section 2 – Pad Reinforced Fabricated Tee

Section 3 – Hillside Nozzle with Pad
Section 4 – Welding (Contoured Crotch) Tee
Section 5 – Beam Element Generator
Section 6 – Cylindrical Shell Strings
Section 7 – Nozzles, Plates & Shells
Section 8 – Bend with Plate or Pipe Staunchion
Section 9 – Plane Stress/Strain Axisymetric/Brick Stress Heat Transfer
Section 10 – Axisymetric Flange (Rigid, Mating, or Blind)
Section 11 – Brick Fabricated Tee with Optional Pad
Section 12 – Brick Branch Outlet Fitting (OLETs)
Section 13 – Low Tank Nozzle
Section 14 – Wye Fitting
Section 15 – Tank Base Settlement
Section 16 – Plate Heat Exchanger
Section 17 – Pipe Support Loading
Section 18 – Tangential Nozzle in Heads
Section 19 – Nozzle Penetrating Cylinder/Head Tangent Line
Section 20 – Large Diameter Single Nozzles in Heads
Section 21 – WRC107/297/N318/392, ASME Div. 1 Area Replacement (MISC)
Section 22 – WRC107/297/318/392/ASME Div. 2 Area Replacement, Ligament
Temperatures, Zick Calculations, WRC 329/N3685 Nozzle Flexibilities

Chapter 5 Section 1 – Piping Acoustic Failure

Section 2 – Flanged Nozzle Ends
Section 3 – Analyzing Staunchions on Bends
Section 4 – Application of ASME Section VIII Division 2 Article 4-6 for Non-Radial
Nozzles in Cylinders
Section 5 – Using Nozzle Pro with a Typical Beam Analysis
Section 6 – SIF’s and Flexibilities for Large D/t Piping
Section 7 – How to Verify Model Loads
Section 8 – Bar Attached to Plate Example
Section 9 – Building a Vortex Breaker
Section 10 – Skewed Structural Supports in NozzlePRO
Section 11 – Under the Hood – Miscellaneous Files and Plotting
Section 12 – Raw Stress and Displacement Output

Appendix 1 – Model Generation Errors (Programming)

Appendix 2 - Glossary
Appendix 3 – Model Generation Commands
Appendix 4 – Frequently Asked Questions
Appendix 5 – FE/Pipe Element Library
Appendix 6 – Solution Option File Flags

Copyright © <1995-2021> by <Paulin Research Group>. All Rights Reserved.

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Chapter 1
FEPipe 4.111 Help ››

Chapter 1

Copyright © <Dates> by <Authors>. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © <1995-2021> by <Paulin Research Group>. All Rights Reserved.

[Link]
FEPipe 4.111 Help ›› Chapter 1 ››

[Link]

Chapter 1 ››

Installation and Setup FE/Pipe 4.200

FE/Pipe is distributed using the standard Microsoft installation program: [Link], and can be run on Windows 95,
Windows 98, Windows NT 4+, Windows 2000 Windows XP or Windows ME. The installation path should not
contain blank characters.

(Certain viewing features requiring DirectX7.0a or later will not be available on Windows NT systems.) FE/Pipe
installation CAB files can be found on the delivered CD in the FPPACKAGE folder. To install FE/Pipe:

1. Using “Windows Explorer” or “My Computer” navigate to the installation CD.

2. Open the folder FPPACKAGE.
3. Double click on the file [Link].
4. Be sure the installation pathname does not contain spaces.

FE/Pipe will be installed in the installation path shown. Only the start:programs menu options will be modified. If the
user wishes to have a shortcut on the desktop, it may be copied from the start:programs menu and pasted on the
desktop. No system files will ever be overwritten. Only old FE/Pipe files will ever be overwritten by the program
installer. It is the users responsibility to be sure that compatible versions of Internet Explorer, directX, video drivers,
etc. are installed on the machine. The installation program requires that read/write access is available for the
Windows folder. If problems are experienced during installation it is usually because the installer does not have
read/write privledges to the Windows or to the installation folder.

A set of FE/Pipe example input files is included in the FPSAMPLES folder. The example data files are included in a
self exploding executable “[Link].” To install the example problems,

Paulin Research Group uses a software security mechanism based on a user and machine fingerprint. Keys to
authorized purchased programs can be obtained via the internet using your PRG generated license # and
password, or keys may be obtained by emailing support@[Link] with your license #, userID and computerID.
Only one person may use a single license at a time, but via internet activation, one user can logoff of the license
and another user can log on to it. To use this facility the license # and password must be used when the user
authorizes the security system. This process is discussed in detail in the paragraph that follows. Any version may
be run over a network, but special setup and licensing is required for limited seat network access. See Chapter 1,
Section 9.

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FE/Pipe will always run in a limited DEMONSTRATION mode. License authorization can be obtained over the
Internet or via email communication with Paulin Research Group. To validate a license over the Internet you must
have a Paulin Research Group serial number and password. Both Internet and email authorization methods are
described below:

License validation is controlled by site keys that contain authorized user fingerprints. Site keys can be returned
automatically to the user over the Internet or can be obtained from the Paulin Research Group via email at
support@[Link]. The fingerprint for a single user and computer can be found by running the program
[Link] in the installation folder. This program produces the file [Link] that contains the full
fingerprint details which can be emailed to support@[Link] along with your serial number to obtain
authorization site keys, (if you don’t want to use the Internet to validate your license.)

Site codes can be entered into the program during the startup sequence, or the user can run the program
[Link] to enter the codes.

If authorization is performed over the Internet the codes are returned and entered into the user’s computer
automatically.

Please remember to include your serial number in any email to the Paulin Research Group regarding security or
program authorization.

The file “[Link]” is created in the installation directory when the site keys are entered correctly or when the
program is authorized over the Internet. The “[Link]” binary file cannot be moved to any other computer
because it is unique to an individual hardware configuration and login identification. If one machine is replaced with
a newer one, or if the user wishes to transfer the license to another user, or to a computer at home, then Internet
authorization must be used, and the user must log out of the current license before he, or someone else, tries to log
into it. This procedure is described in detail below.

When a non-authorized version of any PRG software product starts the following demonstration prompt will appear.

If you want to authorize the version press YES. If you want to continue on in DEMONSTRATION mode then press
NO.

If you press YES at the above dialog prompt you should see the following screen:

Figure 1.1.1

Press YES again here if you have your serial # and password and an active Internet connection. Press NO here if
you want to authorize your software via email.

If you press YES at the above dialog prompt you should see a screen similar to the following:

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Figure 1.1.2

Please verify that the user name and computer name shown are correct for the individual that wishes to authorize
the program. Also check that the installation folder is shown correctly. (The installation folder path is printed in the
middle of the dialog box.) Press OK when ready to continue. The following screen should appear in preparation for
Internet authorization.

Enter your license # (serial number) and password. These entries are NOT case sensitive, but must be entered
correctly before the proper security record for your account can be found on the Internet. These are obtained from
Paulin Research Group. When the license and password are entered hit the F1 key to continue.

It may take a few moments for the internet to be accessed and the key to be generated, but once this is done the
program you have started, (FE/Pipe, NozzlePRO, etc..) should appear and this step should never have to be
repeated.

If you’ve answered NO to the Figure 1.1.1 prompt, you should see:

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If you already have your site codes then enter YES. If you don’t have your site codes then you will need to get them
from Paulin Research Group by emailing the userID and computerID from Figure 1.1.2 along with your license # to
support@[Link].

If you enter YES to the above prompt you should see a screen that echos your userID and computerID. Please be
sure that these are the ones used to obtain the site codes. If they are not, then you are trying to authorize security
for the wrong computer.

If the username, ID, computername and computerID are correct hit OK to continue. The following small form will
appear:

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The three site codes returned from PRG should be entered into this screen. Once the three keys are entered hit the
F1 key. When the codes are entered correctly the program started will be displayed and this step should never
have to be repeated.

If a system administrator is loading the software for you:

If a system administrator is loading the software for you the userID and computerID for the administrator is l not the
one that should be authorized. The site codes should be generated for the actual user of the program. A program
called [Link] is provided that displays the current username, computername userID and computerID.
Run the program [Link] on the computer that should be authorized to get the appropriate userID and
computerID. You should not run [Link] over a network connection. Single license security should NOT
be established over a network connection.

If you are loading the software yourself:

If you are loading the software yourself then the userID and computerID that appears when the program is executed
should be the one the site key is obtained for. The program [Link] is provided that will show the current
username, computer name, userID and computerID.

You will get one key for each license you have purchased. You can activate your license over the Internet
(recommended). You must have your PRG serial number (license) and password. Follow the instructions on the
screen to authorize you license that appear when you start the program. If you use your internet license you will
have the ability to log out of the license in one place, and login in another. Site codes provided via the email are not
portable.

Once PRG software is unlocked it will startup without any prompt for licensing information. (When NOT unlocked
the word DEMO will appear across the window handle on the top of the screen and input will be limited.) DO NOT
USE THE RESULTS FROM A DEMONSTRATION VERSION OF A PROGRAM. The input fields are limited and
the results will reflect artificially force data cells and CANNOT BE USED FOR A VALID ENGINEERING
EVALUATION.

Starting with Version 4.1006 of FE/Pipe and BOS Fluids, the environment variable or path statement is not required
for any PRG program.

Each license of FE/Pipe includes a single seat license of NozzlePRO and AxiPRO (collectively – ALLPRO).
ALLPRO/NozzlePRO/AxiPRO use the same security system as FE/Pipe and they are installed together in the
PRGSOFT folder.

Please note that MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER 5.0 OR LATER IS REQUIRED TO VIEW THE OUTPUT
from NozzlePRO and AxiPRO.

WORD97 OR LATER IS REQUIRED TO INTERACTIVELY VIEW THE NozzlePRO HELP DOCUMENTS. (If
WORD97 is not loaded on the machine, an Acrobat reader can be used to view or print the delivered Nozzle
[Link] file.)

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Memory Allocation for FE/Pipe Use

FE/Pipe utilizes its own memory managers that optimizes memory usage and minimizes disk access. The user
must tell FE/Pipe how much hard memory should be used during a single FE/Pipe process. This number should
typically be about 75% of the available hard memory in the computer. This value may be set in Utilities:Configure:
J-Miscellaneous Settings. At the bottom of the "Miscellaneous Settings" configuration screen the user will find:

Maximum Memory (Mb) to any FE/Pipe Process:

The user should set this to 75% of his available hard memory. If this setting is not provided, the user may
experience system messages during solution such as: System is out of virtual memory, as the operating system is
trying to solve the large finite element equations in core. If the user runs out of virtual memory and/or hard disk
space (since they are essentially the same from a user’s perspective), the user will probably get a solution abort or
a fatal error #10. In either of these cases, the user should free additional disk space and rerun the application.

Copyright © <Dates> by <Authors>. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © <1995-2021> by <Paulin Research Group>. All Rights Reserved.

[Link]
FEPipe 4.111 Help ›› Chapter 1 ››

[Link]

Chapter 1 ››

Getting Started (Version 4.111)

FE/Pipe and PRGMaps

PRGMaps is the startup program for FE/Pipe. [Link] can be started from the Start:Programs
menu, the “run” dialog box, or by typing PRGMaps in a command window.

FE/Pipe is installed in a demonstration mode. Until the program has been “unlocked” or authorized the
new user will be prompted for a site key whenever FE/Pipe tries to access input for a new or old job. The
site key can be obtained from your software supplier or from Paulin Research Group in Houston Texas.
Each licensed seat of FE/Pipe comes with two site keys. Each key will unlock the program for a particular
username and computername. The username and computername are displayed during the startup
procedure or may be obtained by running the program [Link]. Email the two user names and
computer names along with your company name and program serial number to support@[Link]. Be
sure to include the serial number so that you are fully authorized for all of the software you have
purchased.

The user is encouraged to install the 4.102 version in a new or different subdirectory so that the old
version is not deleted or overwritten until the new site key is obtained and the software is unlocked. The
demonstration notice will appear each time input is entered until the software is unlocked. After
the site key is entered, the user should never see the demonstration or site key prompts again.

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PRGMaps and FE/Pipe operate in a “local” or “current” subdirectory. All data files for a job are are
written to this subdirectory. Check the “start in” box in the “properties” window for the desktop icon to
identify this subdirectory. If PRGMaps is started from DOS then the subdirectory where the program was
started is set as the “current” subdirectory, (and this is where all of the job’s data files will go.) Since finite
element jobs can generate a large amount of data, it is the user’s responsibility to maintain adequate
control and archive of the generated files. The “local” subdirectory appears in the task bar on the top of the
PRG MAIN screen.

Using the multitasking character of windows the user may run an analysis for one job while reviewing the
output from another. The user can also change input while reviewing output, or can review tabular and
graphical output simultaneously. Considerable effort has been made to protect the user from any process
that would simultaneously attempt to change a file that another process was using, or that would result in
a logical system conflict. (For example the user cannot run two analyses simultaneously from the same
subdirectory, nor can he edit the same file simultaneously.)

In general the left mouse button is used for selection and the right mouse button is used for escaping.
Menus and data cells can be accessed using the mouse. The mouse can also be used to select the task
bar menu items, and to return to the PRG Main screen to start another input, analysis or results session.

A simple example problem is provided below so that the user can be sure that the software has
been installed and is running correctly. The user is encouraged to follow through this example, and to
compare his results to those shown.

Hard Disk Space

1. When the user runs out of virtual memory during an FE/Pipe run, he will likely get a fatal error #10.
This means that there was not enough hard disk space. The user may also get an operating system
error reporting that there was not enough virtual memory. Either of these messages mean that the
user needs either more memory or more disk space.
2. Windows writes virtual memory to the hard disk for any running process. Windows 95/98 and NT
allow the user to control the Virtual Memory as needed. If the user finds that virtual memory on drive
C: is filling up frequently, and a larger drive D: is available, then the virtual memory swap file can be
pointed to drive D:
3. The amount of memory used by FE/Pipe data arrays, etc. is user controllable via the
Utilities:Configuration:Miscellaneous:Maximum Memory setting. The user is recommended to set
this at about 75% of the total hard memory in the system.

Output Reports

Output reports can be edited by the user and saved or printed. This facility allows the user to choose the
finite element tabular results that are germane for his analysis, while deleting or omitting others. The user
can also add discussion of results directly into the body of the FE/Pipe report for improved
readability.

The delete key deletes any line and the insert key inserts one or multiple lines into the body of the
report for additional user's comments. In this way the user can remove output that obviously does not
apply to the areas of interest in his model, (i.e. areas where crude meshes were used for stiffness only.)

By default FE/Pipe appends the results from one job to the back of the previous run of the same job. The
user should be aware that if the results from subsequent jobs do not seem to be changing, (even though
the input was changed), the user may be looking repeatedly at the first run. Always page to the bottom of
the report screen to be sure that you’re looking at the latest results.

Units

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FE/Pipe supports a consistent set of English and Metric units. The units may be changed via
Utilities:Configuration:UnitsSpecification. The user should toggle the cursor over the units desired and
then exit the configuration program with the “Save Changes” option. The units file in the main installation
directory will be updated to reflect the desired set of units.

Documentation

The FE/Pipe documentation is delivered in electronic format. The electronic format provides for easier
updating and distribution, and the ability to use online search and index tools to find multiple pieces of
information on a particular topic. The full documentation is available via the Help task bar on the PRG
MAIN screen, may be viewed in an Acrobat reader, or selected parts may be printed from the Acrobat
reader.

The user is encourated to review the section for the particular template he is using. Chapter 4 contains
general and specific information for each FE/Pipe template. If the user has a particular question about an
individual data cell, there is a good chance that he will find explanation for that data cell in Chapter 4.

Running FE/Pipe

Windows users may have to experiment with large or small fonts on the computer via the control panel to
be sure that FE/Pipe performs most effectively.

Windows users should NOT run out of the installation directory. Right click on your startup icon
and change the startup subdirectory so that this does not happen!!!!

It is not uncommon to find windows behind windows. In certain cases "modal" windows, i.e. windows that
require some action are placed behind parent windows waiting for that action. In this case it appears to
the user that the screen is "locked". In these cases an examination of the windows task bar will often
uncover the "window" behind the "window" that requires some attention before the major process can
continue.

There cannot be two analyses running simultaneously in a single subdirectory. If two jobs must be
run at the same time, they can either be run using the Utilities:Batch option, which will run them
automatically one after the other, if the two jobs are in the same subdirectory, or the two jobs can be run
with multiple instances of FE/Pipe from different subdirectories.

Any request from the output processor to send tabular results to a printer writes a <jobname>.lis file. This
file may also be written to the local data directory. Many users find that tailoring the <jobname>.lis file is
the best way to prepare final tabular reports for a customer. The most recent .lis file will overwrite any
previously written .lis file.

Templates
The various FE/Pipe model templates are available from the PRG MAIN menu. The different templates
appear after the user has selected the FE/Pipe button and requests a New Job. The following buttons
correspond roughly in type to the models that can be created. There is also a user-model-building
capability that allows the user to build his own models of piping geometries to include into FE/Pipe
models, (or to run stand-alone). This capability is far more complex than the standard FE/Pipe model
building procedure, but once mastered, provides essentially unlimited possibilities in terms of geometries
and loads. The interested user is directed to the ascii text file documentation found in the
<installation>\template\std\doc subdirectory. Also note that most of the FE/Pipe geometries can be “written
out” as a database and read into and “joined” to another FE/Pipe geometry. Each template is described in
detail in Chapter 4.

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The unreinforced fabricated tee template and the pad reinforced tee templates are part of the standard
intersection library, they can be oriented in any direction, and can have SIF’s, allowable loads, and
stiffnesses generated automatically. Any d/D ratio is accommodated easily, and the user has complete
control of all meshing. These templates can also be written out or read in as a data base to be included in
other FE/Pipe models.

The welding tee, (or contoured crotch) model, and the hillside templates are part of the standard
intersection templates and will generate SIF’s, allowable loads and stiffnesses for use back in a pipe
stress program. The user can contour the thicknesses through the crotch radii to simulate any style of
smooth, radiused fitting. The hillside model supports teardrop pad shapes. Either template can be oriented
in any direction and included in any FE/Pipe database manipulation.

The brick intersection template supports pad or lateral shapes, inside and outside radii, and contoured
weld geometries. The user can sculpt any branch geometry leaving the intersection as shown. Only stress
intensities and displacements are produced as output for these brick templates at present. The Nozzles,
Plates and Shells template on the right is the most comprehensive shell model in FE/Pipe and permits the
user to generate varieties of head, cone, ball and shell models for round, oblorectangular and square
nozzles and plate support geometries.

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The beam modeler allows the user to create or import typical piping or structural beam models. An AISC
library of shapes is available, and the user may import models from CAESAR II, Triflex or PipePlus. Beam
models may be written out as databases and used to connect or support shell models as shown in the
figure in the upper right. The Cylindrical String modeler permits the user to combine shell cylinders, cones,
elbows, heads and plates together in any orientation. This template is often used to simulate sections of a
piping system. Cylindrical String models can also be written out as child databases and included with
other models as shown above, where string models are included with a variety of intersection models.

The Symetric Geometries template supports plane stress, plane strain, and axisymetrc elements. The
axisymetric elements can also be swept out to form brick models. Brick sweeps can be through arbitrary
angular distances permitting flanges and bolts to be modeled. The axisymetric geometry has an automatic
fixed tubesheet modeler for tubesheets and tubes and will automatically generate reports in accordance
with ASME Section VIII Division 2 Art.4-9. Axisymetric steady state and transient heat transfer can be
performed with radiation. Stress passes are available after every thermal solution as needed. The Bend
with Staunchion template computes SIFs, and stiffnesses for bends with round or structural steel type
attachments both with and without pad reinforcement.

The Axisymetric Flange model creates blind, rigid or matiing axisymetric flange geometries with either
linear gasket or flat face properties. The template is intended to supplement the calculations made by the
ASME code so that the user can verify the amounts of displacement and stress in the flange, (particularly
when the flanges are not mating). The user can study the effects of flange face sliding. The Low Tank
model is used to investigate the effects of low tank geometries

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The WYE model is for large d/t wyes for either pressure or external loads. The model may be oriented in
any direction and written out as a child database to be used with any other FE/Pipe beam or shell model.
The Tank Settlement template is intended to supplement API 653 stress calculations for stresses in tank
walls due to measured local or global settlement stresses.

The Plate Heat Exchanger template is intended to study the stresses due to pressure around holes and
stayed attachments in a quarter model of a plate heat exchanger nozzle opening. The Simple Pipe
Support template analyzes a variety of support configurations for stress and displacement. The Pipe
Support template is intended to help the engineer optimize support requirements on long pipelines.

The Tangential Nozzle template is for any sized tangential nozzle in a head. Any d/D ratios can be
modeled. The model can be oriented in any direction or written out as a database to be included with other
models. The Shell-to-Head Nozzle template is for nozzles that enter a head/cylinder geometry such that
some portion of the nozzle penetrates the geometry tangent line. The model was setup for large or small
d/D nozzles. This model may also be oriented in any direction and written out as a child database to be
included with any other FE/Pipe model.

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The Miscellaneous and SAM templates contain popup analyzers intended to assist the engineer in making
calculations in support of the other FE/Pipe templates. Available are WRC 107/297 for nozzle stress
calculations, N-318 and 392 for square and round lug attachment stresses, ASME Div. 1 area
replacement rules (MISC), and ASME Div. 2 area replacement rules (SAM). The area replacement
calculations for nozzles in cylinders in SAM also includes WRC 368 and 335 calculations as well as ASME
Art 4-9, and McBride & Jacobs evaluations. Also included are calculators for finding the temperature drop
across tubesheets (Sing & Soler LIGTEM aprproach), Zick horizontal vessel on saddle calculations, and
WRC 297 and NB3685 stiffness calculations for nozzles.

The Single Large Nozzle template evaluates large d/D single nozzles in a variety of head geometries. The
model can be oriented in any direction and written out as a database to be included in any other FE/Pipe
beam or shell calculation. This template would be used when the Nozzles,Plates & Shells template will not
handle the d/D size.

Examples

A large number of example problems are scattered throughout this manual and Chapter 3 contains only
example models and worked solutions. Most of the inputs are found under the installation \models
subdirectory. To be sure that FE/Pipe is installed correctly on the machine the user is recommended to
run the following example problem:

The job will build and run the stresses due to pressure for an unreinforced fabricated tee. From the PRG
Main menu:

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When the main unreinforced fabricated tee menu appears, select option 3 for Branch Properties.

Main Unreinforced Fabricated Tee Menu

Fill in the following information in the Branch Properties screen:

Outside Diameter = 14
Wall Thickness = 0.5
Cold Allowable = 17500
Hot Allowable = 17500
Pressure = 650

Branch Properties Screen

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Exit and enter the Header/Vessel Properties Screen and enter:

Header Outside Diameter = 20

Header Wall Thickness = 0.75

Header/Vessel Properties Screen

Exit and select G – Submit for Analysis. The user will see the screen flash and a plot of the model appear
and then disappear as the run continues. Depending on the speed of the computer, the run may take
several minutes. When the analysis completes the following PRG MAIN screen should re-appear. Select
FE/Pipe, then OLD Job, then Results:

When the small panel pops up with the Results Options, select Reports:

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When “Reports” are selected the user will be prompted for an identifier. Enter

Test run #1

and hit the <Enter> key. The following reports should then be available:

Hit the letter “P” and then “F1,” or double-click on the “P.” When the report below appears, the user has
then successfully installed FE/Pipe.

FE/Pipe 4.000 Program Feature Update

• Increased problem size capability programmable from the Utilities Menu. Problems in excess of
32000 nodes can be analyzed.
• Output reports have been simplified. SIF reports have been redesigned, and reports not often used
have been removed.
• NOZPRO included with standard FE/Pipe version.
• Nozzles, Plates & Shells improved output report so that user’s can more rapidly check input.
• WRC 335/WRC 368/McBride & Jacobs calculations added to SAM Module for pressure calculations.
• CAESAR II Interface updated to CAESAR Version 4.10.
• WRC 297 and NB-3685 nozzle flexibility calculations added to SAM so that users can compare
these techniques to finite element generated results.
• Character mode access from PRG Main menu to make access to features easier.

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• Range calculation added for dynamic analysis.

• Remeshing of Standard Intersection Templates. the Unreinforced Tee, the Pad Reinforced Tee, the
Hillside Tee, and the Welding Tee templates have all had their meshing schemes reworked.
• Linear Sliding Surface added to Symmetric Template.
• Documentation rework. The documentation for FE/Pipe has been completely reworked and updated
with more examples and program useage directions.
• Purge option added to the PRG MAIN Files menu to help users get rid of unnecessary data files.
• Rathole reinforcement added to the tank template.
• Added PFIX boundary condition to Nozzles, Plates & Shells template. PFIX is a pressure boundary
condition that provides pinned end boundary conditions while still creating a PD/4t longitudinal stress
due to pressure.
• Increased number of included child models in Nozzles, Plates & Shells template to 20.
• Parent surface radial truncation option added in Nozzles, Plates & Shells template.
• Optional cosines added for spar elements in Nozzles, Plates & Shells template. The user can orient
this local stiffness as necessary without having to worry about the exact node locations. The user
can also control the magnitude of the spar stiffness.
• Text modifications added to graphics windows. User’s can now add up to three lines of text to any
FE/Pipe output plot.
• Executables have been combined. There are 26 fewer executables in the 4.000 Version of FE/Pipe.
All source has been updated to the newest Microsoft and Compaq/Digital fortran/c compilers.
• Wind load case option added to Nozzles, Plates & Shells.
• Updated WRC calculations for pressure stresses.
• Attached steel models in the Bend w/ Staunchion template have been updated.
• Added thermal boundary conditions to radiation link surfaces.
• Updated rotate toolbar in graphics.
• Templates added to /template/std model directories. A test cylinder model was added to help users
learn how to use the level 1/2/3 templates, as well as a number of model construction templates
were added.
• In the standard templates added a (-1) default for rigid cap stiffness, that tells the software to
compute the rigid cap stiffness that will best fix the nozzle end boundary condition.
• FIND_SI program added to allow the user to compute stress intensities from stress tensor
components.
• Included stress stiffening in the Nozzle in Tank template so that users can see the effect of the
pressure on the stiffness and stress in the nozzle.
• Backside removal option for standard intersection templates when the d/D ratios are small.
• Reivew error log file added to graphics menu. When users hear “beeps” during a model generation
step they can see which of the model generation commands caused the error.
• Additional thickness control for nozshell nozzles so that users can vary the thickness of the
rectangular pad around nozzles, or can control the thickness of the pad edge fillet.
• Hillside Nozzle Template modified to allow for negative hillside offsets.
• Fatal errors on input do not return to the Main Menu, but rather leave the user in the input processor
for correction.
• <Jobname>.M5N file written that contains the exact displacements and rotations for each element in
the model.
• Nozzle shell model pointsinc reased from 150 to 200.
• Shear stress plot option added for 2d models in graphics mode.
• Added modify, elements command to allow the user t change the thickness of local elements, or to
change the element type.
• Maximum displacement in all directions added to the nonlinear iteration output.
• Users can now reset the analysis running flag from the input processor.
• Local surface edge loads and fixities in Nozzles, Plates & Shells

Disclaimer/License

Please read this agreement in full. User completely accepts all terms and conditions of this license
agreement by choosing to install this software.

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This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas, United States of America.

Questions concerning this License Agreement, and all notices required herein shall be made by contacting
PRG in writing at Paulin Research Group, 11211 Richmond Avenue, Suite 109, Houston Texas 77082, or
by telephone at (281)920-9775.

LICENSE AGREEMENT

LICENSOR: Paulin Research Group, 11211 Richmond Avenue, Suite 109, Houston Texas 77082,
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YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE USING
THIS PACKAGE. USING THIS PACKAGE INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND
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property of PRG and are provided to you under the terms and conditions of this License Agreement.

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You agree to reproduce and include the copyright notice as it appears on the Licensed Program(s) on any
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This written Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the Licensed
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behalf of PAULIN Research Group, Inc. has the authority to modify or supplement the limited warranty
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PAULIN Research Group, Inc. has entire liability and your exclusive remedy as follows:

a. the replacement of any diskette not meeting PRG's "Limited Warranty" as defined herein and which
is returned to PRG or an authorized PRG Dealer with copy of your receipt, or

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b. if PRG or the dealer is unable to deliver a replacement diskette which is free of defects in materials
or workmanship you may terminate this License Agreement by returning the Licensed Program(s) and
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