APPLICATION OF THE PROBABILISTIC FRACTURE MECHANICS METHOD OF PREDICTING THE FATIGUE LIFE OF TUBULAR JOINTS

In this paper .fatigue strength of T-type tubularjoints subjected to in-planebending or out-of-plane bending load is investigated By, considering material constantsand initial crack sizes as random variables and applying Monte Carlo simulation method, we have giyen a statistical analvsis on fatigue life. Simultaneously, linearregression analyses of computed resuldts are performed and compared with that of theknown experimental data.

An Improved Formulation for the Ultimate Static Strength of Tubular Joints subjected to Combined Loads

-'The effect of interaction of loads on the ultimate static strength of tubular joints of offshore fixed platforms, is a practical problem. But there is still absence of rigorous theory to explain available experimental data and empirical criteria for the static strength of tubular joints. The idea of yield at hot spot of tubular joints is introduced in this paper. The interaction equations of plastic capacity for the tubular joints under combined loads (two and three different kinds) are derived. Thereafter the Yura's test data and empirical criteria of ultimate static strength for the tubular joints can be explained. The idea of classification of category of loads in accordance with experimental data and the present theory is suggested. Finally, the improved ultimate capacity equations for tubular joints are recommended. The physical significance of the coefficient of plastic reservation Qp is discussed.

AN INVESTIGATION OF RANDOM FATIGUE STRENGTH OF K-TYPE TUBULAR JOINTS AND CRACK PROPAGATION BEHAVIORS

Random fatigue of welded K-type tubular joints subjected to axial or out-of-plane bending load is analyzed. By considering the sizes of initial surface cracks and material constants as random variables with some probabilistic distributions, incorporating the effect of the weld, five hundred random samples are generated. Statistical computational results of life of crack propagation and effect of change of crack shape are finally obtained and compared with experimental data available based on a regression analysis. Meanwhile, crack propagation behaviors are also investigated.

The Stress Concentration of Multiplanar Tubular Joints of Offshore Structure

The formulation for the stress concentration matrix of multiplanar tubular joint with braces subjected to combined load is established in this paper. The formulations for SCF values of multiplanar tubular joints are compared with those by Wordsworth and Efthymiou. The stiffening effect and load-interaction effect are discussed. A spatial offshore jacket with braces subjected to combined load is computed as a numerical example. The maximum stress of each multiplanar tubular joint and its location are found through SCF matrix. Finally, the difference between the maximum stresses of multiplanar tubular joints and their corresponding uniplanar tubular joints are discussed.

Inspection system for welded tubular joint based on ultrasonic phased array

A manual inspection of large-diameter tubular joints is difficult. As a result a scanner with three degrees of freedom （ DOFs） was developed based on the scanning principle of ultrasonic phased array. The weld tracing is realized by a 2DOF motion of scanner. The pose of ultrasonic probe is controlled by the third one. The control strategy is put forward based on a programmable multi-axis controller. Four kinds of scanning modes can be implemented simultaneously employing this ultrasonic inspection system. Experiments on reference blocks of tubular joints reveal that the automatic ultrasonic phased array inspection system has the same inspection accuracy as a manual ultrasonic inspection. This system is superior to the manual ultrasonic system in terms of reliability and repeatability. The artificial dejects of weld at tubular joint can be detected accurately with the presented inspection system.

A Ring Model for Limit Analysis of Spatial XX Tubular Joints

-A ring model is developed to investigate the ultimate strength of tubular X and XX joints in the case that the brace is compressed. In the present analysis, the tubular joint is made of elasto-perfectly-plastic material, and the arch element of the chord section intersecting with the brace is assumed to be rigid. It is found that when 6 plastic hinges for X joint and 8 plastic hinges Tor XX joint appear in the ring, the limit state is reached, and by means of the equivalent ring width Be formula proposed in a previous paper by the authors, the ultimate strength of tubular X and XX joints subjected to compression can be obtained.

Reinforcement Method of the Tubular Joints under Combined Loads Based on ANSYS Software

The jacket offshore platform structures working in the environment are subjected to various external conditions,such as wave loads,wind loads and corrosion of sea water.Therefore,the research on reinforcement of tubular joints has great practical value for the safety of offshore platforms.In this article,the finite element(FE)models of T-type tubular joint(T-joint)and K-type tubular joint(K-joint)are established by ANSYS software.Triangular rib reinforcement and collar plate reinforcement are used to reinforce the tubular joints.The reinforcement effects are assessed through the ultimate bearing capacity,and the influences of parameters of the rib and the collar plate on the ultimate capacity are analyzed.Besides,the effects of the two reinforcement methods are compared under the combined loads,and the results show that the reinforcement of the ribbed plate is more effective in resisting the deformation caused by bending moment,while the reinforcement of the collar plate is more effective to avoid the plastic damage caused by the axial pressure.

Evaluation of stress concentration for planar tubular joints

In offshore tubular structures, a typical tubular joint may be subjected to three different types of basic loadings: axial, in-plane bending and out-of-plane bending, through its brace members. Each type will cause a different stress distribution at the joint intersection of structures. Moreover, the actual load condition of a tubular joint can be any combination of the above three basic load cases, for this reason, a combined loading was investigated in addition to these three basic loadings. This load is composed of an axial loading combined with a continuation of rotational bending loading obtained while rotate center of the brace around a circle. Different types of planar joints such as T, Y, X, K, DT, DY, DX, TY, TK, DTX, DTDY, and DTDK, with braces subjected to combined loading, were numerically analyzed to study the effect of those different cases of loading and different types of joints, on the stress concentration zone and values.

A review of stress concentration factors in tubular and non-tubular joints for design of offshore installations

Tubular structures are widely used in offshore installations,trusses,high rise buildings,towers for wind turbines,ski-lift installations,lightning,road pole signals etc.,owing to their excellent structural performance and attractive appearance.Stress concentration,especially in the welded joints of these structures,is an important design consideration particularly for fatigue design.In the context of tubular and non-tubular joints,this paper provides a review of the experimental and numerical studies that have been carried out so far to determine the stress concentration factor(SCF).Emphasis is also placed on the complexity of capturing different types of stresses in tubular/non-tubular joints for estimation of SCF.Present code provisions for evaluation of SCF are also discussed.Further,a few issues,which require significant research effort to advance our understanding and to improve the current design guidelines,have been identified.©2016 Shanghai Jiaotong University.Published by Elsevier B.V.

Prediction of Static Strength of Tubular T and X Joints Subjected to Axial Compression

-The formulation of ring analogy method for the prediction of static strength (ductile collapse) of tubular T, X joints under axial compression based on the limit analysis of the ring with some assumptions is presented in this papaer. The regression formula for the effective length of the chord based on test results is established by means of the least square method. The results computed by the present semi-analytic formula are compared with previous results and test data. They are quite close to each other. The accuracy of the present formula depends on the reasonable selection of the effective length of the chord, which requires numerous test data.

Location Results for Brace Spacing in Gap Tubular “K” Joints Using FEM

The 8-node iso-parametric thin shell element was employed in the study of stress concentrations in the welded tubular “K” joint. Element equilibrium equations were derived using isoparametric formulation based on thin shell theory. After assembly, the resulting system equations were solved using existing fortran programs. Numerical experiments were conducted to isolate and locate ideal gap (positions) for the two braces of the “K” joint. The nominal stresses were calculated from which stress concentration factors were obtained. The resulting stress concentration factors were presented both as tables and as figures. A good agreement between our solutions and those for model joints in the literature is good and acceptable. It was found that the wider apart the brace spacing is, the weaker the strength of the joint. It was also found that the best location for the braces occurs when the stress level changes sign either from positive to negative or vice versa at a critical sampling point.

Generation and Application of A Standardized Load-Time History to Tubular T-joints in Offshore Platforms

Marine structures are mostly made of metals and always experience complex random loading during their service periods. The fatigue crack growth behaviors of metal materials have been proved from laboratory tests to be sensitive to the loading sequence encountered. In order to take account of the loading sequence effect, fatigue life prediction should be based on fatigue crack propagation（FCP） theory rather than the currently used cumulative fatigue damage（CFD） theory. A unified fatigue life prediction（UFLP） method for marine structures has been proposed by the authors＇ group. In order to apply the UFLP method for newly designed structures, authorities such as the classification societies should provide a standardized load-time history（SLH） such as the TWIST and FALSTAFF sequences for transport and fighter aircraft. This paper mainly aims at proposing a procedure to generate the SLHs for marine structures based on a short-term loading sample and to provide an illustration on how to use the presented SLH to a typical tubular T-joint in an offshore platform based on the UFLP method.

异形单层网壳结构的整体稳定性研究及关键节点分析

单层网壳结构属于缺陷敏感结构,整体稳定问题是结构设计的关键.单层网壳结构可以采用空间相贯节点,有必要对节点进行三维实体有限元分析,在此基础上研究节点的力学性能.本文总结了单层网壳结构整体稳定分析的方法,归纳了空间相贯节点三维实体有限元分析方法;针对异形单层网壳结构,研究了结构的静力性能、结构网格与建筑形状对结构承载能力的影响,确定了结构的弹性稳定承载力和弹塑性稳定承载力;对空间相贯节点进行了有限元分析,得到节点处应力的分布情况,并研究了节点隐蔽部位有无焊缝对节点力学性能的影响.结果表明:异形单层网壳的曲率变化和结构网格对关键部位处杆件受力影响较大;稳定承载力对单层网壳结构起控制作用,对此异形单层网壳进行弹塑性稳定分析,结构安全系数达到24;隐蔽部位焊缝对节点承载力的影响较大,设置隐蔽部位焊缝后,节点处各杆件的最大应力可减小20%以上.

新型钢管混凝土梁柱节点力学性能试验研究

为研究内加强环式圆钢管混凝土柱与矩形钢管混凝土梁这种新型连接节点的力学性能,设计了缩尺钢管混凝土梁柱节点试件,开展了相同梁柱节点试件的静力加载试验和低周往复加载试验。通过研究该节点试件的破坏模式、荷载-位移曲线以及拟静力加载试验的骨架曲线、核心区剪切变形等,分析了节点试件的承载能力、延性和耗能能力,全面考察了同一梁柱节点在静力加载和低周往复加载两种工况下的受力性能和破坏模式。结果表明:钢管混凝土梁柱节点试件核心区强度较强,破坏模式主要为梁端破坏,低周往复加载试验时试件梁柱连接处附近的梁端钢板发生拉裂破坏和钢板鼓曲,静力加载试验时试件梁端焊缝发生拉裂破坏;试件延性较好,加载过程中经历了弹性、弹塑性和塑性发展阶段。最后提出了该类钢管混凝土梁柱节点核心区的抗剪强度计算公式。

KT形钢管相贯节点受力性能试验研究

依托某户外剧场钢结构顶棚结构设计,首先对其管桁架关键KT形钢管相贯节点进行了足尺模型试验,测试分析了该节点相贯线、主管及支管应变分布规律。试验结果显示,在最大荷载作用下,相贯节点因支管相贯线附近部分屈服而不能继续承载,其余位置未屈服,表明支管相贯线附近位置是该相贯节点最薄弱位置。然后运用ANSYS有限元软件建立KT形钢管相贯节点有限元模型,将试验结果与有限元分析结果作对比,验证了有限元模型的准确性。最后通过有限元模拟探讨了增大支管厚度以及增设加劲肋对节点受力性能的影响。有限元分析结果显示,增大支管厚度对其受力性能影响较小;增设加劲肋可以有效降低支管相贯线附近位置的最大应力水平,能有效延缓支管屈服,明显提高管桁架节点的承载力。

圆钢管K型相贯节点焊缝应力分布规律研究

圆钢管相贯节点具有构造简单、加工方便、外表美观等优点,已在钢结构工程中得到广泛应用。相贯焊缝在节点受力过程中应力分布较为复杂,应力集中处易较早屈服,影响节点整体承载性能。对相贯节点焊缝应力分布规律进行研究,可以预测相贯节点在失效破坏前焊缝屈服萌生位置和扩展趋势。本文结合某钢结构工程K型相贯节点,建立有限元模型,分析不同角度和焊脚高度的K型相贯节点在承受轴向力作用下其焊缝应力的分布规律。通过对模拟结果的分析,得出焊缝应力分布特点和影响因素。

轴力作用下焊接方管Π型节点的极限承载力分析

目前规范中还未规定Π型构造形式的方管节点承载力计算公式。该文在经过试验验证有限元分析准确性的基础上,基于两种方管不同区域的材料本构关系模型,利用Abaqus软件对85组在轴力作用下的节点进行了数值模拟,得到了方管Π型节点在轴力作用下的极限承载力。随后,通过参数化分析和多元回归,得出影响Π型节点极限承载力的因素以及修正的承载力计算公式。结果表明,支管-主管宽度比β对节点极限承载力和初始刚度影响较大,增大支管宽度,能够显著提高节点的极限承载力,支管上施加的荷载由主管上表面的抗弯、抗剪作用和主管侧壁共同承担,节点的破坏模式也取决于β;主管宽厚比2γ越大,意味着主管上翼缘和支管连接区域变得更加细长,降低了主管上翼缘的抗弯刚度,节点承载力和初始刚度因此降低;支管-主管高宽比η和支管间距g对节点极限承载力有一定影响,增大支管截面的高度和支管间隙,即增大了沿主管纵向方向的支管、主管相交区域,使得支管在主管翼缘更宽的区域传递荷载,节点的塑性区域更大,材料利用更充分,因此提高了节点的承载能力;支管-主管厚度比τ对节点极限承载力和初始刚度影响不大,支管的壁厚增加,提高了支管的承载力,但节点最终破坏是主管上翼缘达到屈服破坏而并非支管破坏,因此支管厚度的变化对节点承载能力影响不明显。根据有限元模型的分析结果,通过曲线拟合提出了计算方管Π型节点极限承载力的参数方程,并对该方程的准确性进行了评价,为这类节点的进一步研究和工程应用提供了参考。

钢管混凝土扁柱-钢梁节点抗震性能有限元分析

为避免钢框架结构中梁柱节点凸出墙体,文章提出一种钢管混凝土扁柱与钢梁节点,采用ABAQUS有限元模拟软件建立4个不同连接位置的钢管混凝土扁柱-钢梁节点的有限元模型,分析节点在低周往复荷载下的破坏模式和抗震性能;结果表明,所提出的节点构造可以实现梁柱刚性连接,所有节点均发生梁铰破坏,抗震性能和耗能能力良好。进一步研究轴压比、竖向隔板厚度和连接构造对节点抗震性能的影响规律,结果表明:随着轴压比的提高,柱端峰值承载力随之下降;减小柱内竖向内隔板的厚度会导致柱端承载力的降低;将盖板连接改为竖向加劲肋连接后,能有效缓解节点处柱壁的应力集中现象。

海洋平台结构损伤涡流热成像检测激励线圈设计

海上平台作为海上石油开发的重要设施,处在海水浸泡、冲击等恶劣环境中,很容易出现损伤,影响其安全性。管节点作为高应力集中的部位是海上平台结构中更易产生损伤的地方,因此对管节点进行检测十分重要,为适应海上平台管节点这种特殊结构的损伤检测,利用涡流热成像技术,考虑管节点结构、在管节点表面感应出的涡流分布情况等因素,设计出了圆台形线圈、三角形线圈、扁平双线圈三种形式的线圈,并通过COMSOL、SolidWorks完成了相应的仿真模拟,为了符合实验室需求,又构建出了等比例待测工件及线圈的实际模型,通过实验模拟、MATLAB数据处理验证了仿真模拟的准确性及所设计线圈的有效性。结果表明,扁平双线圈对海上平台管节点的加热效果更佳,能够用于对其损伤缺陷的检测。

不锈钢复合钢材焊接方管T形管节点试验研究

不锈钢复合钢材是一种成本低、强度高、耐腐蚀性能优异的高性能钢材,其在对耐腐蚀要求高的工程结构应用中尤其具有竞争力。该文旨在通过试验,研究不锈钢复合钢材焊接方管T形节点在静力和低周往复荷载作用下的力学性能,设计、制作了4个管节点试件并完成了加载,基于试验结果重点研究了各管节点试件的试验过程、破坏模式、荷载-位移响应和应变发展等;按中国规范GB 50017和欧洲规范EN 1993-1-8进行了节点承载力计算,并与试验值进行了对比。研究结果表明,对于支管承受轴向压力的管节点试件,以主管上表面塑性破坏为主;对于支管承受水平低周往复荷载的管节点试件,以主管上表面塑性变形和主管与支管之间连接焊缝断裂破坏为主;当管节点破坏模式符合现行规范GB 50017和EN 1993-1-8中规定时,相关承载力计算公式仍适用于此类不锈钢复合钢材焊接方管T形管节点的设计计算。