Assessment of Pipe Defects Using a Constraint Modified Failure Assessment Diagram
In this study, the failure assessment diagram (FAD) is constraint modified using the assumption that the constraint T stress is proportional to the non dimensional loading. The constraint modified FAD has been used to compute safety factors associated with spherical and elliptic defects and a long notch. The results were compared to the classical approach, indicating the possibility of a reduction of conservatism. In addition, the use of domain constraint modified FAD indicates that in some cases, increases in fracture toughness due to the loss of constraint lead to the use of limit analysis rather than an elasto plastic fracture mechanics approach.
Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention