Non-linear fracture mechanics analyses for axial semi-elliptical surface cracked pipes

This paper provides two types of engineering J estimation equations for cylinders with finite internal axial surface cracks under internal pressure. The first type is the so-called GE/EPRI type J estimation equation based on Ramberg-Osgood materials. Based on detailed 3-D FE results the GE/EPRI-type J estimation equation along the crack front is proposed and validated for Ramberg-Osgood materials. For more general application, the developed GE/EPRI-type solutions are then re-formulated based on the reference stress concept. The proposed reference stress based J estimation equation has good agreement between the FE results and the proposed reference stress based J estimation provides confidence in the use of the proposed method for elastic-plastic fracture mechanics of pressurised piping