Plastic Limit Solutions for Cracked Pipes Based on 3-D Finite Element Limit Analyses
Based on detailed 3-D FE limit analyses, the present paper provides tractable approximations for plastic limit pressure solutions for axial through-wall cracked pipe; axial (inner) surface cracked pipe; circumferential through-wall cracked pipe; and circumferential (inner) surface cracked pipe. In particular, for surface crack problems, the effect of the crack shape, the semi-elliptical shape or the rectangular shape, on the limit pressure is quantified. Comparisons with existing analytical and empirical solutions show a large discrepancy in circumferential short through-wall cracks and in surface cracks (both axial and circumferential). Being based on detailed 3-D FE limit analysis, the present solutions are believed to be the most accurate, and thus to be valuable information not only for plastic collapse analysis of pressurized piping but also for estimating non-linear fracture mechanics parameters based on the reference stress approach.