NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF THE STRESS CONCENTRATION FACTOR OF MULTI-PLANAR TUBULAR KK-JOINTS UNDER BALANCED AXIAL LOADS

The stress concentration factor of multi-planar tubular KK-joints subjected to balanced axial loads is analyzed using finite element method. Firstly, sub-zone method is used to generate the finite element mesh of a tubular KK-joint. This sub-zone mesh generation method can produce mesh of different qualities and quantities in different stress gradient regions. Thereafter, the magnitude and the distribution of the stress concentration factors along the weld toe for tubular KK-joints subjected to balanced axial loads are analyzed using ABAQUS (2000) software. Finally, through the FE analysis of 30 models, the effects of geometrical parameters on the stress concentration factor values and their distribution are investigated.