High Level Dynamic Testing and Analytical Correlations for a Small Bore Piping System

High-level dynamic testing of a prototypic insulated small bore diameter pipe system is described. The pipe system was supported by a minimum number of supports, with several combinations of supports and support locations tested. Load input consisted of a dynamic multifrequency time history and sinusoidal loading at increasing acceleration levels until gross deformation of the system occurred. Very high level pipe damping was exhibited when plastic response occurred. Post-test analyses were performed to assess the structural loading and response of the pipe system under the dynamic load input. Several elastic and elasto-plastic analysis failure prediction methods were used, along with simplified inelastic analysis.