Experimental and Numerical Study of the Elastic SCF of Tubular Joints

This paper provides data on stress concentration factors (SCFs) from experimental measurements cruciform tubular joints of a chord and brace intersection under axial loading. High-fidelity finite element models were generated validated against these measurements. Further, the statistical variation uncertainty in both experiments analysis (FEA) are studied, including effect modelling weld profile, mesh size, type method for deriving SCF. A is proposed such uncertainties order to determine reasonable Traditionally, SCF determined by parametric formulae found codes standards also comparison. Results FEA generally show that increases with finer mesh, 2nd brick elements, linear extrapolation larger profile. Comparison between SCFs indicates very fine use elements required provide safe side. It further equations reasonably side detailed could be beneficial if small gains fatigue life need justified.