Allowable stress is the maximum stress a material can withstand, determined by a factor of safety, and is crucial in mechanical engineering for piping and pressure vessel analysis. The calculation methods include conventional hand calculations, Roark, ASME code calculations, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). For piping codes, the stress must not exceed 2/3 of the yield strength or 1/4 of the ultimate tensile strength, depending on the applicable code. Specific codes, such as the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, are essential references for accurate calculations.
PREREQUISITESMechanical engineers, civil engineers, and students involved in pressure vessel design and analysis will benefit from this discussion, particularly those seeking to understand allowable stress calculations and relevant codes.
Q_Goest said:Hi araan.
Allowable stress is a term used to indicate the maximum amount of stress a material may be subjected to given a predetermined factor of safety. In mechanical engineering, we use allowable stress in piping and pressure vessel analysis. I believe civil engineering uses this concept for other purposes as well, including reinforced concrete structures.
Regardless of its use, the calculation of stress can be done using any method suitable, such as conventional hand calculations, using Roark, ASME code calculations, FEA, etc... The stress obtained from those calculations must then be compared to the maximum stress the material is allowed to be exposed to (ie: the allowable stress). For piping codes for example, the stress determined by calculation may not exceed 2/3 of yield strength or about 1/4 of ultimate tensile strength, depending on the code.