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Study of reliability index for high-density polyethylene based on pipe standard dimension ratio and fracture toughness limits

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Abstract

The reliability of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes remains a central issue for gas transportation and distribution networks. The objective of this study is to investigate the estimation of reliability index (β) for a plastic pipe using the critical stress intensity factor (KIC) as the maximum limit for safe operating conditions. Simulations are performed as a function of operating pressure, crack length, and standard dimension ratio (SDR) for three fracture toughness levels (low, moderate, and high). In addition, the study compares results from three hoop stress calculations methods (thin, thick, and ISO plastic pipe equation). Based on design recommendation for reliability index, it is found that both operating pressure and crack length show comparable behaviors. However, the thick wall pipe results overestimate (β) for every KIC level. In all cases, it is found that the higher the critical stress intensity factor, the better the reliability index. Results obtained with the standard ISO pipe formula are more realistic, as they are usually around the design recommendation, i.e., SDR basis indicates that it is a true conservative design approach incorporating both upper and lower thickness limits. The importance of all variables (thickness, diameter, crack length, pressure, and fracture toughness) is also discussed.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the LR3MI members for fruitful discussions on the subject.

Funding

Partial funding through the CNEPRU project #A11N01UN23012014122 is greatly appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center of Research in Industrial Technologies CRTI, P.O. Box 64, Cheraga, Algiers, Algeria

    Latifa Alimi

  2. Mechanics of Materials & Plant Maintenance Research Laboratory (LR3MI), Mechanical Eng. Department, Badji Mokhtar University, PO Box 12, 23000, Annaba, Algeria

    Latifa Alimi, Kamel Chaoui & Salaheddine Azzouz

  3. Advanced Technologies in Mechanical Production Research Laboratory (LRTAPM), Mechanical Eng. Department, Badji Mokhtar University, PO Box 12, 23000, Annaba, Algeria

    Abdelaziz Amirat

  4. Mechanics of Materials & Plant Maintenance Research Laboratory (LR3MI), Ecole Supérieure de Technologies Industrielles, Cité Safsaf, PO Box 218, 23000, Annaba, Algeria

    Salaheddine Azzouz

Authors
  1. Latifa Alimi
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  2. Kamel Chaoui
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  3. Abdelaziz Amirat
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  4. Salaheddine Azzouz
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Correspondence to Kamel Chaoui.

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Alimi, L., Chaoui, K., Amirat, A. et al. Study of reliability index for high-density polyethylene based on pipe standard dimension ratio and fracture toughness limits. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 96, 123–136 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-017-1564-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-017-1564-7

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