Three-Dimensional Stress Criteria—Summary of the PVRC Project

Abstract

This paper summarizes work done by the Pressure Vessel Research Council (PVRC) on three-dimensional stress criteria, using primarily elastic two and three-dimensional analytical techniques, finite element analysis. The focus of the work was to recommend guidelines on evaluation of elastic stresses relative to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Code) defined failure modes as they relate to stress limits. The guidelines are developed such that they may be used to update and expand the procedures for evaluating the required stress limits in Code Section VIII, Division 2 and Code Section III, Subsection NB. This paper summarizes the recommendation using ten guidelines. The project addresses eleven example problems, nine of which include finite element analyses. These example problems validate the recommendations. The detailed information is published in the Welding Research Council Bulletin 429, “3-D Stress Criteria Guidelines for Applications.” [S0094-9930(00)01601-2]