Plastic limit loads for idealized branch junctions under combined pressure and bending

Abstract

Closed-form yield loci are proposed for branch junctions under combined pressure and in-plane bending, via small strain, three-dimensional FE limit load analyses using elastic-perfectly plastic materials. Comparison with extensive FE results shows that predicted limit loads using the proposed solutions are overall conservative and close to FE results. The proposed solutions are believed to be valid for the branch-to-run pipe radius and thickness from 0.0 to 1.0, and the mean radius-to-thickness ratio of the run pipe from 5.0 to 20.0.