A fluid-structure model for fast brittle fracture in plastic pipes

This paper presents an intermediate stage in the development of a unified c omputational model based on finite volume (FV) discretization, for coupled fluid-structure analysis of rapid crack propagation fluid-pressurized plast ic pipes. The pressure profile behind the crack tip, which is the main sour ce of the crack driving force, is computed by combining a one-dimensional ( 1-D) gas how analysis with FV stress analysis of the pipe. The coupled mode l is then validated against experimental results and used to determine the dependence of crack driving force on crack speed and to study the effect of various physical parameters on crack driving force. (C) 2000 Academic Pres s.