Calculation of stress intensity factors for a longitudinal semi-elliptical crack in a finite-length thick-walled cylinder

Author(s):  
S. M. NABAVI ◽  
A. R. SHAHANI
1997 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kiciak ◽  
G. Glinka ◽  
D. J. Burns

Mode I weight functions were derived for the deepest and surface points of an external radial-longitudinal semi-elliptical surface crack in a thick-walled cylinder with the ratio of the internal radius to wall thickness, Ri/t = 1.0. Coefficients of a general weight function were found using the method of two reference stress intensity factors for two independent stress distributions, and from properties of weight functions. Stress intensity factors calculated using the weight functions were compared to the finite element data for several different stress distributions and to the boundary element method results for the Lame´ hoop stress in an internally pressurized cylinder. A comparison to the ASME Pressure Vessel Code method for deriving stress intensity factors was also made. The derived weight functions enable simple calculations of stress intensity factors for complex stress distributions.


Author(s):  
Patrick Le Delliou ◽  
Bruno Barthelet

Crack assessment in engineering structures relies first on accurate evaluation of the stress intensity factors. In recent years, a large work has been conducted in France by the Atomic Energy Commission to develop influence coefficients for surface cracks in pipes. However, the problem of embedded cracks in plates (and pipes) which is also of practical importance has not received so much attention. Presently, solutions for elliptical cracks are available either in infinite solid with a polynomial distribution of normal loading or in plate, but restricted to constant or linearly varying tension. This paper presents the work conducted at EDF R&D to obtain influence coefficients for plates containing an elliptical crack with a wide range of the parameters: relative size (2a/t ratio), shape (a/c ratio) and crack eccentricity (2e/t ratio where e is the distance from the center of the ellipse to the plate mid plane). These coefficients were developed through extensive 3D finite element calculations: 200 geometrical configurations were modeled, each containing from 18000 to 26000 nodes. The limiting case of the tunnel crack (a/c = 0) was also analyzed with 2D finite element calculation (50 geometrical configurations). The accuracy of the results was checked by comparison with analytical solutions for infinite solids and, when possible, with solutions for finite-thickness plates (generally loaded in constant tension). These solutions will be introduced in the RSE-M Code that provides rules and requirements for in-service inspection of French PWR components.


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