NONLINEAR BUCKLING ANALYSIS OF A PROCESS COLUMN
A non-linear Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed to determine the possibility of a local and/or global structural buckling instability under a partial vacuum of -2 Psig. A local area with various thin sections was investigated for possible failure during the operation of the column. The FEA also consider both wind and seismic loadings. The resulting stress intensities, strain and deformation were analyzed using the general intent of ASME Section VIII Division 2 code. As the result of this analysis, the actual repair was postponed for the normal turnaround time.
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