Finite Element Stress Analysis of Tubesheets Perforated by Circular Holes in Square Pitch Pattern

ASME has accepted the codes for the tubesheets with triangular pitch pattern, but the code standards for the square pitch pattern have not been accepted so far. This is the motivation behind solving the present problem. This paper deals with the finite element stress analysis of a perforated plate or tubesheets with square pitch pattern. For the stress analysis, finite number of holes and in-plane and bending loading are considered. Stress concentration factors are obtained for various ligament efficiencies. The problem of cracks emanating from holes is also considered. Stress intensity factors for various crack lengths and ligament efficiencies are obtained.