In search of redistribution nodes

Abstract Redistribution nodes (r-nodes) are load-controlled locations in a mechanical component or a structure. As such r-nodes lie on a distribution of stresses corresponding to primary stresses as defined in the ASME codes. R-Nodes can be determined on the basis of two linear elastic analyses. On account of its load-controlled nature, the ‘combined r-node equivalent stress’ can be identified with the reference stress, which is widely used in integrity assessments of components and structures. In this paper, the concepts of r-node, reference stress, limit load and primary stress are discussed. Aspects pertaining to lower bound limit loads are addressed because of their relevance in engineering design.