Development of Stress Intensity Factor Solutions For Surface and Embedded Cracks in API 579

Development of Stress Intensity Factor Solutions For Surface and Embedded Cracks in API 579

Development of Stress Intensity Factor Solutions For Surface and Embedded Cracks in API 579

Standard
Format: PDF
Published year: 2002
Organization: WRC
Language: English
Pages: 50
ISEN: WRC Bulletin 471

Summary

A comprehensive numerical study in which a large number of Mode I stress intensity factor (KI) solutions for cracks in plates and shells were generated for inclusion in the American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice on Fitness-For-Service (RP 579). A series of 2D and 3D finite element analyses were performed on plates, cylinders, and spheres containing surface cracks and buried cracks. A wide range of flaw aspect rati's at radius/thickness rati's were considered. The results of these analyses are tabulated in the present report as well as Appendix C of API RP 579.This report also describes a weight function methodology in which KI solutions for arbitrary through-wall stress distributions can be derived for surface cracks in plates and shells. The weight function for a given geometry and crack size is derived from reference solutions for uniform and linear crack-face pressure. The necessary reference KI solutions for surface cracks in plates, cylinders and spheres are provided in the present report.
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