Crack layer modeling of butt-fusion joints induced slow crack growth in high-density polyethylene pipes

Abdulla Almomani, Abdel Hamid I. Mourad

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The design and reliability of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes can be dictated by the damage tolerance of their butt-fusion joints. A slow crack growth (SCG) model based on the crack layer theory for HDPE pipes internal and external circumferential and butt-fusion joints cracks is developed to investigate the discontinuous SCG behavior and lifetime tf variations. Using the developed model, the discontinuous SCG patterns, jump lengths and lifetime tf can be accurately simulated. In addition, the effects of pipes standard dimension ratio, internal pressure, and temperature on the SCG behavior and tf are investigated. Compared to pipe cracks, it was found that butt-fusion induced SCG can reduce the pipe tf > 60 %. Unlike longitudinal cracks, tf of external circumferential cracks, were found shorter than the internal ones, mandating an earlier evaluation. The new SCG model shows good accuracy with the experimental results. The same substitute geometry approach used can be followed for other complex designs, which aids in establishing a fundamental methodology for more realistic lifetime predictions.

Original languageEnglish
Article number112970
JournalInternational Journal of Solids and Structures
Volume301
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 1 2024

Keywords

  • Butt-fusion joint
  • Crack layer theory
  • High density polyethylene
  • Lifetime prediction
  • Pipes
  • Slow crack growth

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Modelling and Simulation
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Applied Mathematics

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