T-pipe is one of the typical structural elements of LWR piping as well as T-joint. In this study, three-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted to simulate the fracture behavior of a pressurized T-pipe test. The accuracy of the predicted burst pressures and appropriate modeling of the welded joint at the junction of the main and branch pipes were investigated. It was found that the burst pressure could be adequately predicted by applying a proper fracture criterion.
