Comparison of the measured and predicted crack propagation behaviour of Zr–2.5Nb pressure tube material

The crack propagation behaviour of Zr–2.5Nb pressure tube material was studied through comparison of the measured and predicted behaviour. Three-dimensional finite element simulations of compact tension and burst specimens were performed using the crack tip opening angle (CTOA) as a fracture criterion to allow for crack propagation. To obtain reasonable agreement with the measured force, crack extension, displacement, and crack tunnelling behaviour from compact tension simulations, a non-constant CTOA profile was required. This CTOA profile was then used as the crack propagation criterion in simulations of burst specimens where it was again found that there was reasonable agreement obtained with experiment.