A theoretical analysis has been developed to predict stress distributions and flexibility factors associated with out-of-plane bending of multi-mitred pipe bends. The estimated range of validity of the analysis is sufficient to include most practical multi-mitred pipe bends. Tests on a large-diameter, thin-walled, three-weld right-angled multi-mitred bend were undertaken and the results closely agreed with computations based on the analysis.
Predictions for both flexibility factors and overall maximum-stress ratios from the analysis were almost identical with those given by an in-plane bending theory that had been developed from a similar method of approach.
SmithR. T.‘Theoretical analysis of stresses in pipe bends subjected to out-of-plane bending’, J. mech. Engng Sci.19679, 115.
6.
Von KÁRmÁNT.‘Über die Formänderung dünnwandiger Rohre insbesondere federnder Ansgleichrohe’, Z. Ver. dt. Ing.191155, 1889.
7.
TurnerC. E.FordH.‘Examination of the theories for calculating the stresses in pipe bends subjected to in-plane bending’, Proc. Instn mech. Engrs1957171, 513.
8.
SmithR. T.FordH.‘Experiments on pipelines and pipe bends subjected to three dimensional loading’, J. mech. Engng Sci.19679, 124.
9.
PardueT. E.VignessI.‘Properties of thin-walled curved tubes of short bend radius’, Trans. Am. Soc. mech. Engrs195173, 77.
10.
KitchingR.‘Mitre bends subjected to in-plane bending moments’, Int. J. mech. Sci.19657, 551.
11.
BondM. P.KitchingR.‘Computation of stresses and flexibilities for multi-mitred pipe bends under in-plane bending’, J. Strain Analysis19716, 77.
12.
KitchingR.BondM. P.‘Flexibility and stress factors for mitred bends under in-plane bending’, Int. J. mech. Sci.197012, 267.
13.
KitchingR.‘In-plane bending of a 180° mitred pipe bend’, ibid.1965, 7, 721.
14.
Den HartogJ. P.Advanced strength of materials1952, 234 (McGraw-Hill Book Co. Inc., New York and London).
Van Der NeutA.‘Bending at the oblique end section of cylindrical shells’, Proc. Symp. Theory thin elastic shells1960, 247 (North-Holland Publishing Company, Amsterdam).
17.
OwenB. S.EmmersonW. C.‘Elastic stresses in single mitred bends’, J. mech. Engng Sci.19635, 303.
18.
GreenA. E.EmmersonW. C.‘Stresses in a pipe with a discontinuous bend’, J. mech. Phys. Solids19619, 91.
