Stress Concentration Factors in T and K-T Tubular Joints Using Finite Element Analysis

Stress concentration factors (SCFs) in a T and a K-T tubular joint have been determined using the finite element method (FEM). The SCFs are determined for basic load cases (axial load or bending moment) in one of the braces or in the chord. The results of the FEM are compared with available experimental data and with parametric formulas. The T-joint results for brace loadings agree reasonably with the parametric formulas. The K-T joint results for in-plane bending agree reasonably with the parametric formulas.