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.