ChatGPT for Engineers - Case Study 01

ChatGPT for Engineers.

Case Study 01 - Using ChatGPT for shell minimum thickness calculations.

So the objective for case study 01 is successful use of ChatGPT to calculate shell minimum thickness of a shell and tube heat exchanger.

I prompted ChatGPT to tell me the formula for minimum thickness as per ASME VIII Div 1, UG-27 and i compared with the actual formula taken from ASME VIII Div 1, UG-27.

It gives me the same formula.

This indicates that ChatGPT (4) has been trained with knowledge of ASME.

We must always verify though.

I then gave it a set of data and asked it to calculate the minimum thickness and it has correctly calculate them while reminding me that corrosion allowance will need to be added.

Ok.. i then asked, or prompted (got to learn the lingo), to produce an excel file for the formula.

And.. well it produced the excel file.

So far, so good.

It could not however tell me the allowable stress for the given material at a certain temperature and asked me to check ASME Section II, Part D instead.

Its quite understandable.

So it can;

1. calculate,

2. and produce excel

Can it do more?

So, i prompted

“What would happen if the heat exchanger is running at a temperature 100 degC above its design temperature?”

It gave me 10 answers, touching on points such as;

1. Overstressing of materials

2. Creep and Fatigue

3. Thermal Expansion

4. Corrosion Rate increase and others.

So far, well so great.

If you would like to know my exact ChatGPT prompts, please consider to subscribe premium membership. It does not cost a lot, but it will keep the site running.

Thank you!

ChatGPT Prompts below!

Follow these steps;

1. You will need to use CPT4 - Advanced Data Analysis (You can use the free version, but it will not produce spreadsheets)

2. Prompt 1 - You are an expert in Mechanical Engineering especially as a static equipment specialist. This involves shell and tube heat exchangers, pressure vessels among other mechanical equipment. You will be excellent in the design case and calculations of static equipment as per international code and standards which are ASME, API, TEMA, NACA among others.

3. Prompt 2 - What is the formula for calculating minimum shell thickness as per ASME VIII Div 1, UG-27?

4. Prompt 3 - Give inputs - for example “INPUT Lets say that i have a design data as per below; Pds = 3.4 (MPa) ID = 1140, rs = 1140/2 = 570 (mm) C = 3 (mm) Shell material = SA 387-11 Cl 2, Design Temp = 410 deg C, Allowable stress is 148MPa. What is the minimum thickness?”

5. Prompt 4 - Please create an excel file to calculate shell minimum thickness.

If you have any question, as a premium member you will have access to me. Just give me a watsapp message at +6019754208