Dynamic Load in Piping System

Dynamic Loads in Piping Systems
A piping system can respond far differently to a dynamic load than it would to a static load of the
same magnitude. Static loads are those which are applied slowly enough that the system has time
to react and internally distribute the loads, thus remaining in equilibrium. In equilibrium, all
forces and moments are resolved (that is, the sum of the forces and moments are zero) and the
pipe does not move.
A dynamic load changes quickly with time. The piping system does not have time to internally
distribute the loads. Forces and moments are not always resolved, resulting in unbalanced loads
and pipe movement. Because the sum of forces and moments are not in equilibrium, the
internally-induced loads can be different—either higher or lower—than the applied loads.
The software provides several methods for analyzing different types of system response under
dynamic loads. Each method provides a trade-off of accuracy versus computing requirements.
The methods include modal natural frequency calculations, harmonic analysis, response
spectrum analysis, and time history analysis.
Modal natural frequency analysis measures the tendency of a piping system to respond to
dynamic loads. The modal natural frequencies of a system typically should not be too close to
equipment operating frequencies. Generally, higher natural frequencies usually cause less trouble
than low natural frequencies. CAESAR II provides calculation of modal natural frequencies and
animated plots of the associated mode shapes.
Harmonic analysis addresses dynamic loads that are cyclic in nature, such as fluid pulsation in
reciprocating pump lines or vibration due to rotating equipment. These loads are modeled as
concentrated forces or displacements at one or more points in the system. To provide the proper
phase relationship between multiple loads, a phase angle can also be used. Any number of
forcing frequencies can be analyzed for equipment start-up and operating modes. Harmonic
responses represent the maximum dynamic amplitude the piping system undergoes and have the
same form as a static analysis: node deflections and rotations, local forces and moments, restraint
loads, and stresses. For example, if the results show an X displacement of 5.8 cm at a node, then
the dynamic motion due to the cyclic excitation is from +5.8 cm. to -5.8 cm. at that node. The
stresses shown are one half of, or one amplitude of, the full cyclic stress range.
Response spectrum analysis allows an impulse-type transient event to be characterized by

response versus frequency spectra. Each mode of vibration of the piping system is related to one
response on the spectrum. These modal responses are summed together to produce the total
system response. The stresses for these analyses, summed with the sustained stresses, are
compared to the occasional stress allowables defined by the piping code. Spectral analysis can be
used in a wide variety of applications. For example, in uniform inertial loading, ground motion
associated with a seismic event is supplied as displacement, velocity, or acceleration response
spectra. The assumption is that all supports move with the defined ground motion and the piping
system “catches up” to the supports. It is this inertial effect which loads the system. The shock
spectra, which define the ground motion, can vary between the three global directions and can
even change for different groups of supports (such as independent or uniform support motion).
Another example is based on single point loading. CAESAR II uses this technique to analyze a
wide variety of impulse-type transient loads. Relief valve loads, water hammer loads, slug flow
loads, and rapid valve closure type loads all cause single impulse dynamic loads at various points
in the piping system. The response to these dynamic forces can be predicted using the force
spectrum method.
Time history analysis is one of the most accurate methods, because it uses numeric integration
of the dynamic equation of motion to simulate the system response throughout the load duration.
This method can solve any type of dynamic loading, but due to its exact solution, requires more
resources (such as computer memory, calculation speed and time) than other methods. Time
history analysis is not appropriate when, for example, the spectrum method offers sufficient
accuracy.
Force versus time profiles for piping are usually one of three types: Random, Harmonic,
or Impulse. Each profile has a preferred solution method. These profiles and the load types
identified with them are described below.
Random
With this type of profile, the load unpredictably changes direction or magnitude with time. Even
with the unpredictability, some load characteristics can predominate. Loads with random
force/time profiles are best solved using a spectrum method or a static equivalent.
The major types of loads with random time profiles are wind and earthquake.
Wind
Wind velocity causes forces due to the decrease of wind momentum as the air strikes the pipe
creating an equivalent pressure on the pipe. Wind loadings, even though they can have
predominant directions and average velocities over a given time, are subject to gusting, such as
sudden changes in direction and velocity. As the time period lengthens, the number of wind
changes also increases in an unpredictable manner, eventually encompassing nearly all directions
and a wide range of velocities.
Earthquake
Seismic (earthquake) loadings are caused by the introduction of random ground motion, such as
accelerations, velocities, and displacements and corresponding inertia loads (the mass of the
system times the acceleration) into a structure through the structure-to-ground anchorage.
Random ground motion is the sum of an infinite number of individual harmonic (cyclic) ground
motions. Two earthquakes can be similar in terms of predominant direction (for example, along a
fault), predominant harmonic frequencies (if some underlying cyclic motions tend to dominate),
and maximum ground motion, but their exact behavior at any given time can be quite different
and unpredictable.
Harmonic
With this type of profile, the load changes direction and/or magnitude following a harmonic
profile, ranging from its minimum to its maximum over a fixed time period. For example, the
load can be described by a function of the form:
F(t) = A + B cos( t + )
Where:
F(t) = force magnitude as a function of time

A = mean force
B = variation of maximum and minimum force from mean
 = angular frequency (radian/sec)
 = phase angle (radians)
t = time (sec)

Dynamic Load in Piping System

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Dynamic Loads in Piping Systems

Response spectrum analysis allows an impulse-type transient event to be characterized by

F(t) = force magnitude as a function of time

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