Limit load and approximate J-integral estimates for axial-through wall cracked pipe bend

This paper presents plastic limit loads and approximate J estimates for axial through-wall cracked pipe bends under internal pressure and in-plane bending. Geometric variables associated with a crack and pipe bend are systematically varied, and three possible crack locations (intrados, extrados and crown) in pipe bends are considered. Based on small strain finite element limit analyses using elastic-perfectly plastic materials, effect of bend and crack geometries on plastic limit loads for axial through-wall cracked pipe bends under internal pressure and in-plane bending are quantified, and closed-form limit solutions are given. Based on proposed limit load solutions, a J estimation scheme for axial through-wall cracked pipe bends under internal pressure and in-plane bending is proposed based on reference stress approach.