Papers by Author: Chang Kyun Oh

Abstract: The present work proposes a method for elastic-plastic fracture mechanics analysis of the circumferential through-wall crack in between elbows and attached straight pipes, subject to in-plane bending. Based on small strain finite element limit analyses, closed-form limit load solutions are given first. Then applicability of the reference stress based method to approximately estimate J is proposed. One interesting finding is that a popular approach to assume that the crack locates in the straight pipe could lead to significantly different assessment results.

Abstract: This paper quantifies the effects of geometry, the loading mode and the specimen size on fracture toughness of the API X65 steel, via plane strain finite element (FE) damage analyses using the GTN model. The validity of FE damage analyses is checked first by comparing with experimental test data for small-sized, cracked bar test. Then the analyses are extended to investigate the effects of the relative crack depth and the specimen size on fracture toughness. It is shown that fracture toughness of the API X65 steel increases with decreasing the relative crack depth and increasing the specimen size.

Abstract: This paper presents a micro-mechanical model of ductile fracture for the API X65 steel, using the Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) model. Experimental tests and FE damage simulations using the GTN model are performed for smooth and notched tensile bars with three different notch radii, from which micromechanical parameters in the GTN model are calibrated. The calibrated micro-mechanical model is applied to quantify pre-strain effects on plastic deformation and fracture of the API X65 steel. Good agreements of the FE damage results with experimental data suggest confidence in the use of the proposed micro-mechanical model to simulate ductile failure of pipelines made of API X65 steels.