Hydraulic-Based Stability Analysis of a Tongue and Groove Joint Test

A tongue and groove joint test is being conducted to quantify the stability characteristics for this class of leakage joint. The test hardware was designed to facilitate comprehensive reconfiguration of the joint geometry so that all parameters affecting joint stability can be evalauated. Excursive (static) and oscillatory (dynamic) instabilities are expected dependent on joint configuration and operational parameters. Hydraulic-based stability analyses were conducted on a pre-test basis to examine joint response. It is concluded from these analyses that physically damaging oscillatory instabilities are most likely to occur when the joint is configured with a movable groove. Physical reasoning for this conclusion is provided in the paper.Copyright © 2009 by ASME