Finite element analysis of elasto-plastic tee joints

The theory and computational procedures used in the computer program B169TJ/EP for the analysis of elasto-plastic tee joints are described, and detailed user's guide is presented. The program is particularly applicable to joints conforming to the ANSI B16.9 Manufacturing Standard, but can also be applied to other joint geometries. The joint may be loaded by internal pressure and by arbitrary combinations of applied forces and moments at the ends of the branch and run pipes, and the loading sequence may be arbitrary. The joint material is assumed to yield according to the von Mises criterion, and to exhibit either linear kinematic hardening or nonlinear isotropic hardening after yield. The program makes use of the finite element and mesh generation procedures previously applied in the elastic stress analysis program B16.9TJ/ SA, with minor modifications. (U.S.)