Comparison of stress intensity factor solutions for cylinders with axial and circumferential cracks

Abstract

Numerous stress intensity factor solutions have been proposed so far depending on the objects of evaluation including the variations of structures, cracks, and applied loads. In applying the flaw evaluation methodology to components of nuclear power plants, the use of reliable stress intensity factor solutions is essential. In this study, cracked cylinders were focused on as one of the typical configurations in actual plants. Existing stress intensity factor solutions for cracked cylinders were reviewed, and the accuracy of these solutions was investigated thorough the comparison with each other. Specific solutions were then recommended for cylindrical structures. Approximate expressions were newly derived for axially through-wall cracked cylinder subjected to linear stress distribution and for circumferentially through-wall cracked cylinder subjected to bending to realize simple evaluation of stress intensity factor. Considering that the cylindrical structures are often replaced with flat plates in the evaluation of actual components, the propriety of the replacement was also studied.