Prediction of stress concentration factors in in-plane moment loaded tubular K-joints

A parametric study on the distributions of stress concentration factors in tubular K-joints under in-plane moment loading is presented. The new database of finite element results was then used to develop parametric equations for predicting stress concentration factors at key locations around the intersection on the outer as well as the inner surfaces of the chord. The reliability of the proposed and existing parametric equations was then assessed using an acrylic test joint database and some published test data measured from a steel model. Fracture mechanics fatigue calculations were also performed to demonstrate that the information provided from the proposed equations could be utilised to obtain accurate, and safe, fatigue life estimates.