E. Haugeneder, H.A. Mang, W. Prochazka:
"A Comparative Study of Flanged Joints Based on Plastic Analysis";
in: "Proceedings of the Ninth SECTAM (South Eastern Conference on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics)", Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 1978, 53 - 64.
Based on elastic - perfectly plastic analyses, a comparative study of the displacements and of the degree of plasticizing is presented for four conventional flanged joints, three modifications of such a flange, and for a necklike flanged joint. The incremental-iterative analyses are performed with the help of the Finite Element Method. They are characterized by reformations of the tangent stiffness matrix and equilibrium iterations at each load level. Identical load increments are employed for all analyses.The rotation of the flange is found to be the prevailing mode of deformation of flanged joints subjected to internal pressure. Therefore, the width of the flanges has a determinative influence on the displacements and on the amount of plasticizing. It is shown that the removal of material for clearances, etc., causes a weakening of the flange, resulting in an increase of the displacements and of the degree of plasticizing. Moreover, it is proved that the depth of the relief grooves governs their effectiveness as a medium for drawing off plastic zones from the welding seam, connecting the flange and the adjacent pipe. Last, but not least, it is demonstrated that necklike flanged joints represent a promising alternative to conventional flanged joints.