A Numerical Comparison of Different Methods for Evaluating Pipe Flanges Under External Loads

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical comparison of seven different methods for evaluating external loads on flanged joints in a piping system. The comparison will demonstrate in tabular form the factor of safety of some widely used traditional methods. An explanation of the history and basis of each method will be made. Differences in the results will be discussed, and an attempt will be made to explain the discrepancies between the more rigorous methods.