A series of twenty static strength tests have been carried out on
both small-scale and large-scale plain tubular members with either
through thickness cracks or surface cracks lying in the
circumferential direction. The lengths of the through thickness
cracks varied from about 10% to 80% of the circumference of the
tubes, whilst the surface crack cases were of depth 80% of the
thickness and lengths corresponding to the through thickness cases.
The results have been analysed and compared to the BS7910 procedures
for assessing ultimate strength or fracture behaviour and to modified
procedures based on previous finite element analysis research at
UMIST. It was found that improved assessments are given by the UMIST
modified procedures. For through thickness
cracks the results indicate that the BS7910 approach may be non
conservative whilst for part thickness cracks the results indicate
that BS7910 may be over conservative.
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