For components to function properly and stay in design limits, stress levels must be predicted. Situation might be severed by high temperatures and cyclic loading. FEA method is a powerful tool to predict stresses in a component, help finding the cause for failure or designing better components. Following image shows stress levels in a pipe support saddle. High stress levels on the corners indicate problematic areas.

Stress Analysis for a pipe saddle

Most piping systems include various components such as valves, expansion joints and supports. These systems must be designed to meet ASME code requirements. Specialized software such as Caesar and Autopipe are employed to design these systems as a whole to meet ASME code B31.1 or similar.