Constraint effect on the ductile crack growth resistance of circumferentially cracked pipes

A systematic study has been carried out by using 2D axisymmetric models to understand the ductile fracture behavior of pipes with internal and external circumferential cracks. Crack growth resistance curves have been computed using the complete Gurson model. Pipes with various diameter-to-thickness ratios, internal pressure, crack depths and material properties are analyzed. The results have been compared with those of corresponding SENT and standard SENB specimens. It clearly indicates that the SENT specimen is a good representation of circumferentially flawed pipes and an alternative to the conventional standard SENB specimen for the fracture mechanics testing in engineering critical assessment of pipes.