Limit Load Analysis of Pipe Bend Using the R-Node Method

Abstract

The r-node method has been developed earlier as a technique to find the limit load using the Elastic Modulus Adjustment Procedures. It utilizes the systematic redistribution of the stress to find the load-controlled locations in a component to estimate the collapse load. In this paper, the method is shown to be applicable for multiple loads. A simple cantilever beam is analyzed using the redistribution-node (r-node) method subjected to both bending force and moment. The results compare well with the closed-form solution of the problem. The method is then used to estimate the limit load for an elbow subjected to in-plane and out-of-plane moment. The results compare well with the elastic-plastic analysis.