A simplified approach for assessing the leak-before-break for the flawed pressure vessels

Surface cracks or embedded cracks in pressure vessels under service may grow and form stable through-thickness cracks causing leak prior to failure. If this leak-before-break phenomenon takes place, then there is a possibility of preventing the vessel failure. This paper presents a simplified approach for assessing the leak-before-break or failure of the flawed pressure vessels. This approach is validated through comparison of existing test data.