Evaluation of leak-before-break assessment methodology for pipes with a circumferential through-wall crack. Part I: stress intensity factor and limit load solutions

The J-integral and the crack opening area are the main parameters required for a leak-before-break evaluation of a piping system. Stress intensity factor and limit load solutions have been widely used for evaluating these parameters in a simplified way. Solutions for the stress intensity factor and limit load for a pipe with a circumferential through-wall crack subjected to axial and bending loads are reviewed and compared in this study. Based on the comparisons, recommendations are then made on expressions for calculating these parameters.