Determination of internal pressure value causing pipe branch model to plastically deform

Complexity of pressure vessels geometry usually causes stress and strain concentrations. Modern approach of stress and strain analysis involves numerical and experimental testing. Every experimental testing on the construction could endanger construction itself. Therefore, making a model of the construction has great benefits. Sub-sized model of the pipe branch of A6 third pipeline at Hydropower Plant Perućica, Nikšić was made in order to be subjected to a detailed experimental testing. The aim was to determine internal pressure value causing pipe branch model to plastically deform, and, to use these results for determining pressure causing real structure to plastically deform, without any measurements on the structure itself. Experimental measurements were carried out using strain gauge method. Strain gauges are positioned in critical zones. Numerical pipe branch model and results obtained by using finite element method (FEM) was verified with experimental results (in elasticity area). After verification in elastic area, experimentally by increasing pressure value, critical internal pressure causing plastic deformation of pipe branch model was determined. Based on the pipe branch model behaviour, and after determination of relation between the model and the real structure, maximum calculated internal pressure value to which the structure may be subjected in exploitation is assessed. Besides, weak spots on the structure were verified by obtaining the same results through experiment and calculation, which gives good guidelines for monitoring of this structure during usage, since it is possible, by using this analysis, to decrease the number of measurement locations for monitoring (in order to control exactly those measurement locations, which proved to be the most endangered).