Three-dimensional stress analyses of mitered elbows

Three-dimensional elastic stress analyses of a mitered elbow have been performed by the application of the MARC finite element program. Seven basic unit load cases have been considered. Results of these reference load cases may be applied in any combination to stress analyses of the same elbow subjected to more complicated loading conditions. According to results from these analyses, when a mitered bend is subjected to in-plane loads, it exhibits behavior similar to that of a smooth elbow under the same loading conditions. Results from out-of-plane load cases show some deviation from the behavior of a smooth bend. These discrepancies cast some doubts on the conventional method of stress analyses of a mitered bend. 16 refs