Three-dimensional stress criteria - Summary of the PVRC project

This paper summarized work done by the Pressure Vessel Research Council (PV RC) on three-dimensional stress criteria, using primarily elastic two and t hree-dimensional analytical techniques, finite element analysis. The focus of the work was to recommend guidelines on evaluation of elastic stresses r elative to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Code) defined failure modes as they relate to stress limits. The guidelines are developed such th at they may be used to update and expand the procedures for evaluating the required stress limits in Code Section VIII, Division 2 and Code Section II I, Subsection NB. This paper summarized the recommendation using ten guidel ines. The project addresses eleven example problems, nine of which include finite element analyses. These example problems validate the recommendation s. The detailed information in published in the Welding Research Council Bu lletin 429, "3-D Stress Criteria Guidelines for Applications." [S0094-9930( 00)01601-2].