Numerical Investigation of Miter Gates

摘要

This report presents results of a three-dimensional (3-D) finite element analysis of a generic miter gate with multiple cracks used to calculate the stress intensity factor using the J-integral approach. The model was also used to determine the optimum diagonals prestressing. Stress intensity factors and J-integral approach were validated numerically against closed-form solutions of semi-infinite plates with through-thickness cracks, double-edged cracks, single-edged crack, and cracks growing from round holes. Only a 2 percent difference between the closed-form solution and the numerical calculated values was obtained. Additionally, the report shows meshing techniques that facilitated the construction of the complex 3-D model. Finally, results and graphical methods of the parametric analysis to calculate the optimum diagonal prestresses are illustrated.