Fracture mechanics of crack propagation in composite repairs of steel pressure piping

Abstract

One of the typical failure modes of composite repairs in oil and gas pipelines is the formation of a blister underneath the repair. Exceeding the critical pressure, and therefore the critical energy release rate (G_C) for crack propagation, will result in failure of the repair. Knowing the magnitude of the energy release rate (G) is therefore key to understanding the interfacial debonding between a steel pipe and a composite repair. This paper describes two approaches for calculating the value of G for crack advance: (a) a purely analytical evaluation and (b) finite element analysis computation using the pressure–volume method (PVM). The design guidance by ASME and ISO standards for correct dimensioning is also presented, incorporating the most recent changes, which are derived from the work presented here.