The team used the Paris-Erdogan law to model the fatigue crack growth:
KIC = σ√(πac)
The team recommended that the pipeline be replaced with a new one, fabricated using a improved welding process and inspected regularly using non-destructive evaluation techniques. principles of fracture mechanics rj sanford pdf pdf work
The investigation revealed that the pipeline had been fabricated using a welding process, and that the weld had not been properly heat-treated. As a result, the weld region had a higher yield strength and a lower toughness than the base metal. The team used the Paris-Erdogan law to model
This calculation indicated that the crack was not critical at the time of inspection. However, the team realized that the crack had grown over time due to fatigue. principles of fracture mechanics rj sanford pdf pdf work