Abstract
A fracture mechanics methodology for assessing the failure of butt fusion joints of similar and dissimilar polyethylene (PE) due to slow crack growth is presented. Slow crack growth tests are performed at ambient and elevated temperatures on three-point bend specimens containing a centrally notched joint. A visoelastic model is used to deduce the crack growth history from the measured load-point displacement record. Master curves for correlating the time for initiation of crack growth and the crack growth rate with the stress intensity factor are developed by bidirectional shifting of elevated temperature data. These data are used to predict the life expectancy of joints in pressurized PE pipes at the operating temperature or to establish the maximum permissible flaw compatible with a prescribed design life. The life expectancy of a joint produced by cross fusing two different PE pipes is determined to be greater than that of a similar joint in the lower fracture resistant PE.
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