SEDL / STP / STP1222-EB / STP12678S

The Effect of Loading Rate on Rapid Crack Propagation in Polyethylene Pipes

Brown, N
Professor in Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Lu, X
Senior Scientist in Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Pages: 9    Published: Jan 1994

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Abstract

The effect of loading rate on the production of rapid crack propagation (RCP) was investigated in tensile loaded notched specimens 127 mm long taken from a gas pipe. It was found that the stress intensity to initiate fracture was independent of loading rate, but was slightly greater at 10°C than at 28°C. The initiation of rapid fracture occurred at a critical loading rate and rapid long range fracture (RCP) occurred at a 50% higher loading rate. It was not possible to produce RCP at 28°C with the available equipment. The input energy to initiate rapid fracture was about 10 times the input energy to produce RCP, long range rapid fracture.