Optimal design of a thick-walled pipeline cross-section against creep rupture

Summary Cylinder under combined loadings (pressure, bending, axial force) is subject to non-linear creep described by Norton-Odqvist creep law. In view of bending a circularly-symmetric cross-section is no longer optimal in this case. Hence we optimize the shape of the cross-section; minimal area being the design objective under the constraint of creep rupture. Kachanov-Sdobyrev hypothesis of brittle creep rupture is applied. The solution is based on the perturbation method (expansions into double series of small parameters), adjusted to optimization problems.Notation A cross-sectional area - C, , creep rupture constants - K, n, _C , _C creep constants - F dimensionless creep modulus - M bending moment - N axial force - a(),b() internal and external radii of the cross-section - j creep modulus - p internal pressure - r, ,z cylindrical coordinates - s _r ,s ,s _z ,t _r dimensionless stresses - t _R time to rupture - stress function - , () dimensionless internal and external radii - _e effective strain rate - _kl strain rates - rate of curvature - rate of elongation of the central axis - dimensionless radius - _e effective stress - _I maximal principal stress - _S Sdobyrev's reduced stress - _r , , _z , _r components of the stress tensor - measure of material continuity - measure of deterioration With 7 Figures