Numerical and experimental determination of stress concentration factor for a pipe branch model

Abstract

The subject of this paper is testing of complex geometrical structures, i.e. stress analysis of a pipe branch model of A6 third pipeline at Hydropower Plant Perucica, Niksic. Analysis of pipe branch model stress distribution was carried out by using finite element method and experimental methods. Finite element method defined 3D pipe branch model. Numerical calculation defined critical locations on model, i.e. locations with the greatest stress concentration. Strain gauges were placed on identified critical locations. Measured stress values confirmed values obtained by using numerical calculation. Experimental measurements were also taken by using new digital image correlation (DIC) method. DIC method is an optical non-contact method that can provide full 3D stress field and enables better understanding of complex structures such as pipe branches. The aim of this paper was to determine stress concentration factor for the pipe branch model by using numerical and experimental analysis.