Finite element analysis of cracked and uncracked tubular T-joint
A welded tubular T-joint is analysed using finite element methods to obtain through-thickness and surface stresses due to axial and in-plane bending loads. The effects of a shallow weld toe crack on the stress redistribution are studied. The two-dimensional analysis of the joint includes the membrane stiffness representation by plane stress element and the flexural stiffness by plate bending element. For the three-dimensional analyses, the joint is modelled using incompatible solid elements to improve flexural characteristics. The embedded elliptical crack front is modelled by straight-line segments. The region at the vicinity of the crack is discretized using special elements, which produce a singular stress field at the crack front. Key words: tubular joint, stress analysis, weld toe crack, incompatible element, singular element.