Author(s)

Z. Zhuang & P.E. O'Donoghue

Abstract

The Small Scale Steady State (S4) test has been recently developed in order to assess the fracture behaviour of polyethylene (PE) gas distribution pipe material during rapid axial crack propagation. Based on an investigation of the S4 test, a simulation model of S4 test has been developed. This paper describes the use of the results obtained from the S4 test to evaluate the fracture toughness of the material, Gj, and to predict critical pressure, p^, for rapid crack propagation (RCP) in a full-scale pipe. If PC has been determined, then crack propagation can be prevented. This will ensure that a crack will arrest shortly after initiation, thus limiting the damage. In addition, procedu

Keywords