PREDICTION OF FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH IN TUBULAR T-JOINTS

This paper presents an approach using fracture mechanics to calculate the fatigue crack propagation life of a tubular T-joint, subjected to either a constant amplitude in-plane bending load or brace axial tension load. This approach combines a number of standard techniques with a new way of obtaining the stress intensity factor for this geometry. Two correction factors, which account for the stress variation around the tubular welded connection and the notch effect at the weld toe, are applied to Scott and Thorpe's solution for a flat plate. The calculated fatigue lives, predicted by the present approach for 16 as-welded T-joints tested in air, agreed closely with published data. The effect of an assumed initial flaw shape on the predicted fatigue life is also evaluated. This approach can be extended to calculate the approximate stress intensity factor solutions for predicting the fatigue crack growth of surface breaking cracks in other types of tubular joints.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • OMAE 90; Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engng, 9th Intl Conf; 18-23 Feb 1990, Houston, Tx. USA. Sponsored by ASME et al. Proc, v 3 pt A, p 379 [8 p, 25 ref, 2 tab, 11 fig]
• Authors:
  • Hsu, T M
• Publication Date: 1990

Language

• English

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cracking; Forecasting; Fracture mechanics; Joints; Performance; Tubular structures
• Uncontrolled Terms: Crack propagation; Performance prediction
• Old TRIS Terms: Tubular joints
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00699669
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 14 1995 12:00AM