Gas turbine power plants are characterized by high efficiency and flexibility. They can respond to fluctuations in power generation from renewable sources within a very short time. As a result, the stationary gas turbines are subjected to high mechanical and thermal loads. We have been performing FEM calculations and verifications for housing components of gas turbines for over 15 years.
To achieve high efficiency of the entire gas turbine, very high demands are also placed on the housing components in terms of strength, dimensional stability and service life.
The relevant loads usually result from the short starting times and rapid load changes during the operation. Due to the relatively large dimensions and thicknesses of the housing components, high temperature gradients occur, which lead to high voltage fluctuations. Due to the high temperatures and long operating times, the housing components are often operated in the creep range.
The synthetic or measured turbine operation curves are usually used as input variables for the calculation. The calculation models take into account the interaction between the various components including the contact and screw connections. The nonlinear material behavior including time dependence (creep) is also taken into account.
The evaluation is carried out according to the relevant international standards, including DIN EN 13445-3, AD 2000 regulations and ASME BPVC. Fracture mechanics methods are also often used. Here, the base metal as well as the welded and bolted joints are evaluated with regard to various aspects:
- Evaluation of static strength (as a result of primary and secondary loads).
- Evaluation of the creep strength
- Evaluation of fatigue strength in the range of low and high alternating load frequencies (HCF and LCF)
- Evaluation of deformation (tightness, ovalization, creep deformation), also in interaction with other components, especially rotating components
Your advantage through simulation
With the help of FEM simulation, the temporal and local courses of temperatures, deformations and stresses can be determined very precisely. This allows the critical areas to be localized. This not only allows for targeted intervention in new development and efficient optimization but also existing components can be re-evaluated with regard to the increased load.
Documentation of the simulation results
Depending on the customer’s requirements, documentation of the calculation results is provided in the form of a verifiable calculation report in German and English or in the form of a short documentation. In discussion with you, we present the results that are important to you clear and understandable.
Regulation
- DIN EN 13445-3: Unfired pressure vessels – Part 3: Construction
- AD 2000 regulations
- ASME BPVC Section VIII – Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels