Plastic limit loads for cracked large bore branch junction

This paper reports plastic limit loads for a cracked large bore branch junction, based on three-dimensional finite element limit analyses using elastic-perfectly plastic materials. Part-through surface and through-wall cracks are postulated in the intersection. For loading conditions, internal pressure and (in-plane and out-of-plane) bending to the branch pipe and to the run pipe are considered. The effect of the crack on limit loads is found to be significant for internal pressure and bending to the branch pipe, but not for bending to the run pipe. The large geometry change effect for bending to the branch pipe is briefly discussed.

► We present plastic limit loads for a cracked large bore branch junction with surface and through-wall cracks in the intersection.
► Internal pressure and (in-plane and out-of-plane) bending to the branch pipe and to the run pipe are considered.
► Analysis is based on three-dimensional finite element limit analyses using elastic-perfectly plastic materials.
► The effect of the crack on limit loads is found to be significant for internal pressure and bending to the branch pipe.
► We briefly discuss the large geometry change effect for bending to the branch pipe.