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A Refined Methodology for Calibrating Premium Connection Make-ups

Digital Image Correlation is used to generate high-spatial-density full-field displacement<br />and strain data of a connection box outer diameter for use in the calibration of finite element<br />make-up models. Image acquisition and data processing techniques are discussed and best<br />practice recommendations are made. 3D-wedge models consisting of a twenty-degree sweep of<br />the connection geometry are generated from manufacturer supplied profiles. Deformation<br />plasticity material models are developed from identified minimum strength material coupons.<br />Axisymmetric and 3D meshing schemes are used to capture the geometric complexity, supply<br />enough resolution to represent seal performance, and provide a solution in an acceptable<br />timeframe. Several techniques for achieving good contact resolution are presented. The<br />mechanics of the full 3D connection makeup are decomposed into simple idealized<br />representations. Finite element boundary conditions are developed to adequately represent the<br />360-degree make-up mechanics in a wedge section. The wedge model is loaded to achieve a<br />torque-rotation coupling which satisfies the experimental make-up conditions. This model<br />displays a much improved ability to capture box outer diameter strain and displacement fields,<br />and thus better represents the mechanics of a connection make-up. A 3D inspired axisymmetric<br />pretension loading scheme is developed which enables the 3D-wedge seal conditions to be<br />replicated in a computationally efficient axisymmetric form for connection performance<br />evaluation. Seal metrics are developed and converged to evaluate connection sealing capabilities<br />in the power-tight configuration. Modeling error metrics are developed, and the final 3D-wedge<br />model is evaluated relative to the experimental DIC data. / Master of Science

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/19294
Date21 March 2013
CreatorsOstergaard, Erik Barr
ContributorsMechanical Engineering, West, Robert L. Jr., Coe, David H., Batra, Romesh C.
PublisherVirginia Tech
Source SetsVirginia Tech Theses and Dissertation
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
FormatETD, application/pdf
RightsIn Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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