Pressure vessels and piping equipment are periodically assessed based on guidelines prescribed by documents such as ASME/API-579 Fitness-for-Service (FFS). Finite element based Level – 3 assessments are often utilized to assess equipment with complex geometries and loading conditions. The course discusses methods for modeling common pressure vessels such as distillation towers, storage vessels, etc. using Abaqus/CAE. Methods for the application and verification of loads such as weight of contents, internal pressure, etc. using Abaqus/Standard, as required for Level-3 FFS assessments, are also discussed. Procedures for analyzing metal loss using the finite element method by mapping thickness readings from scans are also discussed. Objectives Upon completion of this course you will be able to: - Use Abaqus/CAE to create finite element models of common plant structures. - Use Abaqus/CAE to submit and monitor analysis jobs. - Use Abaqus to perform buckling, elastic-plastic analyses