Maximum stress concentration factors in DKT joints subjected to combined compression and tension loads

Abstract

This study focuses on universal equations to consider all 16 axial loading conditions for typical DKT-joint geometries because, until now, there are no such equations to estimate the maximum stress concentration (SCF) factors in those joints for axial loading conditions. To this end, 1728 finite element (FE) models were created and analysed. Available experimental data were used to verify the FE models, and 9 equations were developed to calculate the maximum SCF in uniplanar DKT-joints under axial loads and considering different geometrical parameters. Results indicated that increasing beta and tau significantly increases SCFs, with tau having the bigger impact. gamma and theta also increase SCFs, especially at saddle positions. At the end, the reliability of the developed equations was analysed by using both statistical indices and fatigue guidance review panel recommendations.