Hello everyone,

Sorry for the long post.
I run a trial check for a "32 X 22 RFT" for B31J SIFs and Ks. Report from FEA Translation is attached. I have few points to be clarified. Any leads would be great helpful.


1.Branch SIF location
As per figure C-2-7 in B31J, if d/D > 0.5, SIF shall be applied at the center of the header in the Branch element (Node 20 on element N20-N23 in the attached CII). But, in B31J CII file generated from FEA Translation, SIF values are applied at outer surface of header in the branch element (N24 in element N24-N40). (Refer attached B31J CII file generated)

2. Pipe or Rigid
As per B31J, figure C-2-7 Element from center of header to outer surface of header shall be rigid, but B31J CII from FEA Translation consider it as Pipe element.
PS: Considering SIF at rigid element is not an usual approach. However B31J says it to be.

3. Two branch SIF values
In FEA Translation SIFs are applied at the center of header (N20) as well as outer surface of header at branch element (N24 in element N24-N40), While SIF at N24 is matching with the output report (Refer attached Report from FEA Translation). SIFs applied at N20 is not found anywhere in the Report. How SIF at N20 is calculated and is it necessary?

4. SIF values at Branch element
Inplane & Outplane SIF values are interchanged from the values given in B31J report. Is it because of we didn't give "branch connection type" in the SIF input ?
if No, please provide the methodology of SIF application

Thanks & regards,
RB