Abstract
A classical analysis of Irwin and Corten relates the minimum pressure to sustain crack propagation along a pipeline to the dimensions, elastic modulus and fracture resistance of the pipe wall. Although the model is inapplicable to gas pressurisation, it is here modified to become sufficiently accurate for water pressurised thickwalled pipe to provide the basis of a dynamic fracture resistance test. Results for three commonly used water pipe grade polymers agree well with the predictions of the ‘Thermal Decohesion’ model, and with other experimental data where available. Rapid crack propagation behaviour, in both test and service pipeline configurations, is dominated by the ratio of crack speed to fluid decompression wave speed. This ratio can be adjusted in a controlled test environment.
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Greenshields, C.J., Leevers, P.S. Rapid crack propagation in plastic water pipes: measurement of dynamic fracture resistance. Int J Fract 79, 85–95 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00017714
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00017714