Simulation and analysis
Design-by-analysis
Code-compliant FEA of pressure equipment to ASME VIII Div 2 Part 5 where the rules do not reach.
Describe your projectWhat it covers
Design-by-analysis uses finite element analysis to qualify pressure equipment against the code where the standard design-by-rule formulas do not apply, for example complex geometry, nozzle clusters, unusual loads or cyclic service. It covers the protection against plastic collapse, local failure, buckling and fatigue that ASME VIII Division 2 Part 5 requires, with the correct elastic or elastic-plastic methods, load cases and acceptance criteria. The deliverable is a code-compliant analysis report that supports certification.
When you need it
You need design-by-analysis when a vessel or component cannot be qualified by the design-by-rule equations, when geometry is complex, when thermal or cyclic loads matter, or when you want to optimise thickness that the rules would force you to over-build. It is the analytical route to code compliance.
Standards, codes and tools
Commonly used tools: Ansys, Abaqus, Simcenter.
What to look for
Look for an engineer who runs design-by-analysis to the code, not just a stress plot. Ask which protection-against-failure checks they cover and whether they use elastic or elastic-plastic methods for your case. The report should map every result to a code acceptance criterion, because an analysis that is not code-compliant will not support registration.
Common questions
What is design-by-analysis?
It is the route in pressure vessel codes that uses finite element analysis, rather than standard formulas, to demonstrate the equipment is safe. ASME VIII Division 2 Part 5 sets out the required checks against plastic collapse, local failure, buckling and fatigue, and the acceptance criteria the analysis must meet.
Is a stress analysis the same as design-by-analysis?
No. A general stress analysis produces results, but design-by-analysis applies the specific code load cases, methods and acceptance criteria so the result actually demonstrates compliance. Only a code-compliant analysis supports certification.
Need design-by-analysis?
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Describe your projectRelated specialties
Finite element analysis (FEA)
Structural and mechanical stress, deflection and nonlinear analysis by finite element methods.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
Flow, mixing, thermal and ventilation analysis by computational fluid dynamics.
Discrete element method (DEM)
Bulk solids flow, transfer-chute and equipment-wear modelling by discrete element method.
Process simulation
Steady-state and dynamic process modelling for plant design, debottlenecking and operation.