Rupture and fragmentation of pressurized pipes and fast reactor fuel pins

A model of axial crack propagation in a pressurized tube is developed which predicts the crack velocity and deformation geometry and the minimum driving pressure. Emphasis is placed upon the stability of propagation. The model also offers a criterion for the appearance of multiple cracks and subsequent fragmentation of the tube wall due to excessive axial bending strains. The model is applied to the rupture of gas pipelines, PWR coolant pipes and fast reactor fuel pins.