The Influence of the Path of Corner Gussets Weld Seam over the Stress Concentration Factors of the Tubular T Joints

• Published in: Advanced Materials Research Vol. 1111; pp. 67 - 72
• Main Authors: Dima, Gabriel, Balcu, Ion
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Zurich Trans Tech Publications Ltd 07.07.2015
• Subjects: Assessments; Corners; Mathematical models; Seams; Stress concentration; Stress distribution; Weight reduction; Welded joints; Gusset; Tubular Structures; Welded Joints; Stress Concentration Factor
• ISBN: 9783038354925; 3038354929
• ISSN: 1022-6680; 1662-8985; 1662-8985
• DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1111.67

The joints of the tubular welded structures are stiffened with gussets in order to decrease the stress concentration factors and to increase the rigidity. The experience from field concluded that the tangent placed gussets bring the biggest improvement to the fatigue and dynamic behaviour as well as the weight saving of joints. The path of the weld seam influences the stress distribution in the joint members, gusset and in the weld itself. The paper proposes different types of weld ending path to investigate the changes in the stress distribution in all components of the joint. Using the FE analysis, the stress concentration factors were determined in three load cases. Both the numerical and preliminary experimental results indicated different joint behaviours according to the loading type. An assessment of the proposed weld paths was done, together with FE model approach and design recommendations.