Abstract
In the present paper, finite element analyses were performed to update and also extend the applicable ranges of the existing KI and COD solutions for non-idealized through-wall cracks. Then, a surface to through-wall crack transition model was proposed based on these solutions. The proposed model provides a criterion which determines when the final surface crack should transition to a through-wall crack. It also provides a criterion to determine the two crack lengths (at the inner and outer diameter surfaces) of the initial non-idealized through-wall crack. Furthermore, crack growth of non-idealized through-wall cracks can be simulated by using the proposed method. Finally, the proposed model was verified by demonstrating that it can well predict the surface to through-wall transition behavior when compared to the natural crack growth simulations.