Integrated structural analysis tool using the Linear Matching Method part 2 – Application and verification

• The demonstration of the use of a new LMM software tool is provided.
• A header branch pipe in a typical AGR power plant is analysed as a worked example.
• The verification of LMM software tool is within the context of an R5 assessment.
• We include the R5 procedure and step-by-step elastic–plastic FEA for comparison.
• We verify the accuracy, convenience and efficiency of this new integrated LMM tool.

In an accompanying paper, a new integrated structural analysis tool using the Linear Matching Method framework for the assessment of design limits in plasticity including load carrying capacity, shakedown limit, ratchet limit and steady state cyclic response of structures was developed using Abaqus CAE plug-ins with graphical user interfaces. In the present paper, a demonstration of the use of this new Linear Matching Method analysis tool is provided. A header branch pipe in a typical advanced gas-cooled reactor power plant is analysed as a worked example of the current demonstration and verification of the Linear Matching Method tool within the context of an R5 assessment. The detailed shakedown analysis, steady state cycle and ratchet analysis are carried out for the chosen header branch pipe. The comparisons of the Linear Matching Method solutions with results based on the R5 procedure and step-by-step elastic–plastic finite element analysis verify the accuracy, convenience and efficiency of this new integrated Linear Matching Method structural analysis tool.