Can I use Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to design to VIII-1 (Pressure Vessel Code)?
Important Note: FEA can not be used to replace mandatory code rules (classical calculations) found in VIII-1. (The same comment applies to Roark’s formulas, you can not use it to replace code rules.) It would be nice to use finite element analysis to calculate the stresses that are actually found in items like flanges, nozzles or heads. For these items there are mandatory code equations that are not based on actual stresses. These rules must be followed. Once the rules have been met it is acceptable to use FEA for additional analysis to determine actual stresses for reference use.
