Coupled-Field Analysis of FRP Pipe under Thermal and Internal Pressure Loads

Due to the high corrosion, high strength-to-weigh ratio and low thermal conductivity, the fiber reinforced polymer(FRP) materials are increasingly being used for the large diameter pipe, which is used to transport hot water. The temperature of the hot water is 45°C, and the ambient air temperature is 3°C in the extreme working conditions. So the strength analysis is necessary under thermal and internal pressure loads. The study is conducted numerically using thermal-structural couple element type. The results demonstrate that the strength and stiffness of the FRP pipe meet the requirements of the ASME code.