Stress Intensity Factor Solutions for Semi-Elliptical Weld-Toe Cracks in Tubular K-Joints

Stress intensity factors (SIFs) are generally used to predict the remaining life of cracked tubular K-joints used in the offshore structures. The accuracy of SIFs depends very much on accurate modelling of the surface crack. In this paper, a new mesh generation method is proposed for any cracked tubular K-joint where five types of elements are adopted in modelling the surface crack so as to avoid high elements aspect ratio around the crack...