Crack modeling in FE analysis of circular tubular joints

By mapping circles in two-dimensional planes to three-dimensional intersect ion curves between tubular members, a complicated three-dimensional mesh ge nerating procedure for tubular joints is changed to a procedure similar to a two-dimensional case. More detailed modeling of welds and cracks can be i ncluded to analyze the fracture behavior of cracked tubular joints. Differe nt types of crack tip models are discussed and a four-tip crack model is in troduced to model crack propagation. These crack models can be applied to b oth through-thickness cracks and surface cracks. A procedure for transformi ng crack elements around a plane curve into crack elements for a doubly cur ved semielliptical surface crack around an intersection is also introduced. High-quality meshes can be obtained. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.