MAE 298 SEMINAR: Structural Integrity Assessment under Complex Damage Mechanisms - Case Studies Through Advanced Numerical Simulation

Abstract: In today’s demanding industrial environment, assessing the structural integrity of aging or damaged equipment is essential for ensuring the operational safety, predicting remaining service life, and reducing the risk of unplanned downtime. This talk offers a deep dive into Fitness-for-Service (FFS) assessments — quantitative engineering evaluations performed to determine whether in-service pressure vessels, piping and other critical components are fit to operate safely under existing conditions. We will explore the three levels of Fitness For Service assessments as outlined in API 579, from preliminary screening to detailed realistic simulations using finite element analysis (FEA). Through real-world case studies, we will demonstrate how tools like Abaqus and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform can be used to assess key damage mechanisms such as metal loss, crack-like flaws, shell distortion and hydrogen embrittlement.
In this talk, I will highlight:

•    Development and improvement of API 579 standards using Abaqus
•    Multi-physics and nonlinear simulation capabilities
•    Streamlined workflow from inspection data to digital twin
•    Advanced workflow solutions to tackle various damage mechanisms
•    Informed decision-making for asset management: run-as-is, rerate, repair or replace

Bio: Jingtian Wu received his master's degree and doctorate from UC Irvine in 2020 with a Ph.D. thesis on two-phase flow dynamics. He joined Dassault Systèmes the same year after completing his doctorate in mechanical & aerospace engineering under the supervision of Professor Yun Wang. His expertise lies within the field of classical and computational mechanics. He is now working as an industry process expert supporting the Infrastructure, Energy and Materials Industry in Dassault Systèmes.