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Comparison of Fracture Methodologies for Flaw Stability Analysis of Storage Tanks

Journal Article · · Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology

Fracture mechanics methodologies for flaw stability analysis of a storage tank were compared in terms of the maximum stable through-wall flaw sizes or ''instability lengths.'' The comparison was made at a full range of stress loading at a specific set of mechanical properties of A285 carbon steel and with the actual tank configuration. The two general methodologies, the J-integral-tearing modulus (J-T) and the failure assessment diagram (FAD), and their specific estimation schemes were evaluated. A finite element analysis of a flawed tank was also performed for validating the J estimation scheme with curvature correction and for constructing the finite element-based FAD. The calculated instability crack lengths show that the J-T methodology that uses an estimated scheme, and the material-specific FAD, most closely approximate the result calculated with finite element analysis for the stress range that bounds those expected at the highest fill levels in the storage tanks. The results from the other FAD methods show instability lengths less than the J-T results over this range.

Research Organization:
Savannah River Site (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC09-96SR18500
OSTI ID:
824039
Report Number(s):
WSRC-MS-2004-00209
Journal Information:
Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology, Journal Name: Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology; ISSN 0094-9930; ISSN JPVTAS
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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