Dynamic failure mechanisms of bent pipes under out-of-plane end loading: on the design safety of high pressure piping systems

Previous studies of out-of-plane deformations of a bent cantilever beam under a step force applied at its tip in which combined bending and torsion occurs have identified various yield mechanisms. Single, double and triple-hinge mechanisms have been developed and their occurrences are governed by geometrical restrictions on the beam. The aim of this paper is to summarise the influence of the magnitude of the dynamic load and physical parameters of the beam on its response. A complete picture of all the possible dynamic failure modes of a bent cantilever subjected to an out-of-plane force load is provided.