Fracture mechanics tests on axially cracked pipe sections subjected to internal pressure

As a continuation of investigations into the validity of the crack tip opening displacement, δ5, as a crack field parameter, axially cracked pipe sections were internally pressured and δ5-R-curves were recorded for the 2024Al-Cu-Mg alloy. A comparison of these with δ5-R-curves of similar compact tension specimens showed close coincidence largely independent of both initial crack length and of plastic bulging in the cracked region of the pipe sections. (orig./HP)