Abstract:
Based on the elasto-plastio fracture mechanics, this paper established the expression formulas of limit buckling pressure
Pu on the ligament of axial and circumferential surface cracks and the initial pressure for the through cracks
Pc. A new Leak Before Break (LBB) assessment criterion was put forward to predict the failure mode of pressure pipes, i.e., when
Pu is less than
Pc, the pipe will leak; when
Pu is equal to or larger than
Pc, the pipe will break, which is verified by the test data reported in literatures.