Robust estimation of inelastic fracture energy release rate (J): A design approach

There are insufficient derails during preliminary stages of a pressure comp onent design to warrant a comprehensive inelastic determination of the frac ture energy release rate, J. A simplified formulation for estimating J, des cribed in this paper, relies on a knowledge of the linear plastic srress-in tensity parameter and the plastic collapse load. Subsequently, an expressio n for J is provided in terms of the r-node strain, which serves as an upper bound in the elastic-plastic regions for components subjected to mechanica l loads. Estimates of J for several standard configurations have been obtai ned by inelastic FEA, and the comparisons with the corresponding robust est imates are reasonable.