Engineering Treatment Model (ETM) for Crack Driving Force Estimation of Structures With Stress Concentration

Abstract

A simple relationship for estimating the limit load of a structure with a crack located in a zone with high stress-strain concentration has been suggested using Neuber’s relation. Then, based on the engineering treatment model (ETM), a method for calculating the crack driving force in the structure with a stress concentration was developed. It has also been proved that under deformation plasticity theory and monotonic loading, the ETM can be justified theoretically. Relationships between ETM and other engineering methods have also been established. The predictions by ETM agree well with the test results of full-scale pressure vessels with corner cracks at the joint between cylinder and nozzle.