Fracture mechanics evaluation of small diameter piping considering the latest experimental results Original Research Article

The results obtained from investigations carried out on austenitic piping of small nominal diameter (DN80 and DN50) are introduced and discussed together with their assessment using fracture mechanics methods. Essential results are summarised as following. The pipes with flaws (fatigue crack) down to a depth to amax/t=0.51 (DN80) as well as amax/t=0.62 (DN50) and a circumferential extension of results 2α=120° reached bending angles up to 26°. The ASME collapse load (test collapse load) was exceeded considerably and the experimental maximum load could not be reached. Failure due to a leakage or rupture did not occur in any test. The maximum crack extension was 0.69 mm (DN80, amax/t=0.51) resp. 0.3 mm (DN50, amax/t=0.62). The experimental maximum load can approximately be assessed by the limit analysis. The fracture mechanics approximation methods GE/EPRI and LBB/NRC calculated a/t=0.4 and 2α=120° initiation loads above the experimental maximum load for pipes containing flaws. These results confirmed the procedures for the proof of integrity of small diameter piping by updating information on load, deformation and failure behaviour of austenitic piping damaged with circumferential flaws. Using these results may formulate a final safety concept for the proof of integrity of small diameter piping by completing the current concepts.