Creep Analysis of Smooth Curved Pipes under in-plane Bending

Abstract

Theoretical analyses are presented for the behaviour of a smooth circular cross-section thin-walled curved pipe of constant thickness when loaded by in-plane bending moments under isothermal creep conditions. Twin energy analyses, designated type 1 and type 2 respectively, are used in conjunction with an n -power stationary creep constitutive relationship. Approximate solutions are obtained by direct minimization techniques on a computer. Deformation results and stress-concentration factors relevant to the stationary condition based on straight-pipe values are reported for all practical geometries of pipe bends. The influence of the results on design and matters of total deformation and stress redistribution are briefly mentioned.