FLANGE: a computer program for the analysis of flanged joints with ring- type gaskets

The computer program FLANGE was written to calculate not only the stresses due to moment loads on the flange ring but also stresses due to internal pressure; stresses due to a temperature difference between the hub and ring; and stresses due to the variations in bolt load that result from pressure, hub-ring temperature gradient, and/or bolt-ring temperature difference. The program FLANGE is applicable to tapered-hub, straight, and blind flanges. The analysis method is based on the differential equations for thin plates and shells. The stresses due to moment loading calculated by the two methods are essentially identical for identical boundary conditions. A description of the general model of flanges used in the theoretical development of the computer code is provided. The actual mathematical expressions for calculating stresses and displacements due to moment and pressure loads are derived. Example calculations, listings, and flowcharts of the program and its subroutines are included as appendices. (auth)