Residual strength assessment for a butt joint in MSD condition

The present work summarises a numerical procedure aimed to the residual strength assessment of a cracked butt joint, based on R-curve analysis and plastic collapse prediction. In a linear elastic fracture analysis, the SIF’s (Stress Intensity Factors) evaluation is based on the use of the Dual Boundary Element Method, as implemented in the BEASY code. A two -dimensional approximation (plane stress) of the joint is also validated by a 3D numerical analysis which allow to take into account the secondary bending effect and to assess its relevance. Experimental joint collapse load was available for comparison with numerical results, in order to validate the procedure.