Advanced Fracture Mechanics Analyses of the Service Performance of Polyethylene Gas Distribution Piping Systems

  • Padraic E. O'Donoghue
  • , Melvin F. Kanninen
  • , Carl F. Popelar
  • , Carl H. Popelar

Research output: Chapter in Book or Conference Publication/ProceedingConference Publicationpeer-review

Abstract

Most of the plastic gas distribution pipe now in service is polyethylene (PE). While this material has an excellent safety record, due to a variety of abnormal loadings that can arise in long-time service, some slow crack growth (SCG) related field failures have occurred. Accelerated test procedures to accurately predict the long-term performance of PE gas pipes are therefore required for the evaluation of existing gas piping systems and to qualify new pipe materials prior to installation. In addition, particularly as interest in the use of larger diameter and higher pressure polyethylene pipes increases, rapid crack propagation (RCP) can occur in a gas piping system at the site of an SCG failure, or as a result of third party damage, or by other similarly unforeseeable mechanisms, attention must be given to the possibility of RCP. Accordingly, dynamic fracture mechanics research aimed at preventing RCP in PE gas distribution pipelines has also been carried out. This paper reviews current advanced fracture mechanisms research on PE gas pipe materials that investigates both SCG and RCP events.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFracture Mechanics
Subtitle of host publication22nd Symposium (Volume II)
EditorsS. N. Atluri, J. C. Newman, I. S. Raju, J. S. Epstein
PublisherASTM International
Pages257-273
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9780803114401
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes
Event22nd National Symposium on Fracture Mechanics, NSFM 1990 - Atlanta, United States
Duration: 26 Jun 199028 Jun 1990

Publication series

NameASTM Special Technical Publication
VolumeSTP 1131
ISSN (Print)0066-0558

Conference

Conference22nd National Symposium on Fracture Mechanics, NSFM 1990
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta
Period26/06/9028/06/90

Keywords

  • fatigue (materials)
  • fracture
  • fracture mechanics
  • gas pipelines
  • rapid crack propagation
  • slow crack growth
  • viscoelasticity

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