Fatigue crack growth behavior of a 170 mm diameter stainless steel straight pipe subjected to combined torsion and bending load

Abstract

In a nuclear powerplant, the rotary equipment, such as a pump directly fitted with hanger in the piping system, experiences torsional and bending loads. Higher crack growth rate occurs because of this torsional load in addition to the bending load. Hence, it is necessary to study the fatigue behavior of piping components under the influence of combined torsional and bending load. In this study, experimental fatigue life evaluation was conducted on a notched stainless steel SA312 Type 304LN straight pipe having an outer diameter of 170 mm. The experimental crack depth was measured using alternating current potential drop technique. The fatigue life of the stainless steel straight pipe was predicted using experiments, Delale and Erdogan method, and area-averaged root mean square–stress intensity factor approach at the deepest and surface points of the notch. Afterward, the fatigue crack growth and crack pattern were discussed. As a result, fatigue crack growth predicted using analytical methods are in good agreement with experimental results.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

fatigue life / Delale and Erdogan method / RMS–SIF approach / stainless steel / torsion and bending load / fatigue crack growth

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the director and advisor (management) of CSIR-SERC for the constant support and encouragement extended to them in their R&D activities, and the technical staff of FFL, CSIR-SERC. S. Veerarajan appreciates Professor Shuenn-Yih Chang of the Department of Civil Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology (NTUT), Taiwan, China, for his financial support as well as NTUT for awarding him a Ph. D. scholarship.

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