Proposed extension of the SINTAP/FITNET thin wall option based on a simple method for reference load determination

A “correct” limit or yield load is an essential element of flaw assessment procedures of the R6 or SINTAP/FITNET type. In this paper the authors propose a definition of this quantity which is based on the SINTAP option 3 failure assessment function. This “reference load” can be determined for any component geometry by finite element analysis. The method is applied to two kinds of thin walled structures (notched plates and curved stiffened panels) and the results demonstrate that the approach is a suitable extension of the existing thin wall module.