An important element in evolving Section III of the ASME Code is the reexamination of Code rules to identify the potential&nbsp; 
for efficiencies. The present paper looks at the rules for reinforcement of openings. The present rules require the area of 
material removed to create the opening (up to the design thickness) to be added around the opening. Past studies have suggested that this may add more material than needed to maintain the strength of the vessel. For gasketed openings reinforced to the Code requirement, it was also observed that the seal surface can rotate inward under pressurization, which is not ideal for sealing performance.The&nbsp;optimum amount of reinforcement is therefore postulated to be determined by two criteria. The first criterion is that the allowable pressure should not be reduced relative to the Design pressure of the vessel. Secondly, upon pressurization the material around the opening should neither rotate inward nor outward (no "fishmouthing" as for unreinforced openings). These two requirements may not resulkt in identical conclusions. 
Limit analysis and elastic deformations are examined to determine an optimiuzed amount of reinforcement for various scenarios of openings and placement of reinforcement. Alternative rules for reinforcement of openings,&nbsp;and restrictions on those rules, are proposed.&nbsp;

Optimization for Nuclear Class 1 Opening Reinforcement

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/PVP/PVP2021/volume/85314

ASME 2021 Pressure Vessels & Piping Conference (PVP2021)

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