A model for arrest of rapid cracks in gas-pressurized ductile steel line pipe

Modifying and adding to elements of Schindler’s model, a model to predict arrest of rapidly propagating cracks in gas-pressurized steel pipe is presented. A bulging factor models the flaring of the crack flaps and contributes to the crack driving force. The crack tip, a structural hinge in each flap, a traveling neck ahead of the crack tip, and soil backfill contribute to the plastic dissipation rate. Model inputs are yield and ultimate strength, hardening exponent, crack-tip opening angle, soil density and Charpy V-Notch energy. Model predictions for steel grades ranging from X52 to X120, display modest non-conservatism.