SEDL / STP / STP711-EB / STP27456S

A Theoretical Model for Crack Propagation and Crack Arrest in Pressurized Pipelines

McGuire, PA
Researcher, principal researcher, and research leader, Battelle Columbus Laboratories, Columbus, Ohio

Sampath, SG
Researcher, principal researcher, and research leader, Battelle Columbus Laboratories, Columbus, Ohio

Popelar, CH
Professor, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

Kanninen, MF
Researcher, principal researcher, and research leader, Battelle Columbus Laboratories, Columbus, Ohio

Pages: 18    Published: Jan 1980

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Abstract

The further development of a mathematical model for steady-state crack propagation in a pressurized pipeline is described. A key parameter in the model—the location of the plastic yield hinge relative to the moving crack tip—was determined by forcing agreement with crack speeds observed in the full-scale line pipe tests. The maximum crack driving force predicted by the model was then taken as a measure of the minimum fracture toughness value required for crack arrest. Comparisons with existing empirical formulations derived by Battelle, the American Iron and Steel Institute, British Steel, and the British Gas Council for the minimum required toughness values for crack arrest were made to demonstrate the reasonableness of this approach.