Analysis of dynamic fracture mechanisms in gas pipelines

There are many instances where the rapid propagation of cracks is the resul t of fluid pressure acting on piping structures. This problem is recognized as one of the most important issues of dynamic fracture mechanics. This pa per addresses recent developments in this research area, and particularly d escribes the dynamic fracture mechanism and the applications of analysis me thods to the rapid crack propagation RCP for gas pipelines. It also discuss es the criteria for crack initiation, propagation and arrest. The pressure profile behind the crack tip, which is the main source of the crack driving force,is computed by combining linear decay approach. For the calculation of crack driving force G, the numerical implement using the nodal force rel ease and the energy balance methods are described. A novel analysis methodo logy is also presented in this paper to investigate the suitability of crac k arrestors. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.