Axisymmetrical FEM Analysis of Adhesive Butt Joint of Finite Circular Pipe Subjected to Internal Pressure

Abstract The stress distributions and strength of adhesive butt joints of pipes of which the both ends are closed are analyzed by using an axisymmetric finite element method (FEM). The interface stress distributions are demonstrated. The joint strength is estimated using the interface stress distribution. The butt adhesive joints with small flanges and without flanges were manufactured. Rupture tests of the adhesive butt joints of pipes subjected to internal pressure by hydraulic pump were carried out. In addition, rupture tests of the joints were also conducted by using a material testing machine. Strain measurements were carried out on the joints. It is found that the stress singularity occurs at the inner and the outer edges of the interfaces. It is seen that the stress singularity is larger at the inner edge than that at the outer edge. The strength of the joints is evaluated using 95% non-rupture probability of the rupture test results. As a result, it is found that the strength of the joints with flanges are larger than that without flanges. Furthermore, it is observed that the strength of the joints with flanges is not proportional to the bonded area of the joints. The estimated values of the joint strength are in fairly good agreement with the experimental results.