On the 3-D non-linear analysis of piping

The computer program PAULA for the 3-D non linear analysis of piping is considered with particular reference to the finite elements library (straight pipe, elbow, T-joint, transition, restraint, non-linear superelement). The particular cases of the earthquake and pipe whip analysis are briefly discussed, in the latter case some attention is given to the relative merits of 2-D and 3-D analyses. (orig.)