Probabilistic Elastic-plastic Fracture Mechanics Analysis of Propagation of Cracks in Pipes under Internal Pressure

This study presents a three dimensional finite element method analysis of semi-elliptical surface cracks in pipes under internal pressure load. In the elastic–plastic case, estimates of the J-integral are presented for various ratios including crack depth to pipe thickness (a/t) and strain hardening index in the (R-O) Ramberg-Osgood (n). Finally, failure probability is accessed by a statistical analysis for uncertainties in loads and material...