Theoretical Analysis of Leak-Before-Break in Stainless Steel Pipe with a Circumferential Through-Wall Crack

摘要

This report presents the theoretical analysis of leak-before-break in the stainless steel pipes with a circumferential through-wall crack. At first, a simplified method developed by the authors is employed to estimate the condition for unstable fracture of pipes. Next, the condition for detectable leakage is assessed using the crack opening area calculated with the use of the Dugdale model. At last, by the comparison of these conditions, the condition for leak-before-break is made clear. It is found from this analysis that leak-before-break would take place under the condition of the actual piping system provided the crack is of complete through-wall shape.