Stress intensity factors for threaded connections

A generic stress intensity factor (SIF) solution for threaded connections is presented in this paper. This is based on multiple reference state weight function theory, making it applicable to any mode I crack emanating from a thread root. The reference SIFs required for the solution are a combination of published results representing geometrical features encountered in threaded components. These constitutive components of the reference solutions can easily be replaced in the event of more comprehensive or appropriate solutions becoming available. For this reason it is considered prudent to present the structure of the solution rather than a rigid set of parametric expressions so that specific solutions can be fashioned for particular applications. The new solution is rigorously examined, comparing it with published SIF solutions for threaded and related components.