Discussion on Adaptability of Hellier's Equation (1990) in Stress Analysis of Welded Tubular Structures

摘要

Stress distribution in the hot spot stress region is critical to assess the fatigue life of welded tubular structures in offshore engineering. However, the methods to analyze the stress distribution along the weld toe are very scarcely reported in the literature. Hellier et al. (1990) presented a parametric equation for predicting the stress distribution of tubular T- and Y-joints based on the finite element analysis results. This parametric equation is very convenient in practical design. However, the accuracy of this equation is not verified. In this paper, both experimental measurement and finite element analysis have been carried out to investigate the stress distribution for tubular T-joints under axial loading, and thus to evaluate the adaptability of Hellier's equation (1990). It is found that Hellier's equation (1990) is not suitable for predicting the stress distribution of tubular T-joints when the chord thickness is much bigger. Therefore, cautions should be taken in engineering practice when Hellier's equation (1990) is used for design purposes.