Application in Pre-load Approach of Bolts Based on Initial Strain Theory to Stress Analysis

In this paper, ANSYS software was adopted to carry out the stress analysis of lower flange of heat exchanger under design loads. Initial strain theory of beam element was exclusively used to solve the problem applying pre-load force to the bots on the structure. Stress analysis was performed in accordance with relative requirements in this paper. The result shows that the stress values of the lower flange meet the requirements in ASME B&PV code.