Parametric survey of upper and lower bound limit internal pressures for single mitred pipe bends of various geometries

Internal pressure limit analysis for cylinder-cylinder intersections forming various geometries of single mitred pipe bends subject to internal pressure was investigated. Lower bound analysis with new formulations of force and moment equilibrium together with a higher number of parameters were utilized which resulted in better stability compared to a previously similar analysis of the same problem. Simultaneously, ABAQUS finite element plastic collapse internal pressures were obtained as upper bounds to this problem. Two sets of results were compared, showing good agreement with each other at most points. However, a discrepancy at a mitre angle of 45 degrees between the two sets of results could not be successfully explained. Apart from the conflicting internal limit pressure at the mitre angle of 45°, it is strongly concluded that the true limit internal pressures are bounded between the two sets of results.