Accuracy of the Double-Clip on Gauge Method for Evaluating CTOD of SE(T) Specimens

The crack tip opening displacement (CTOD)-based fracture toughness has been widely used for structural integrity assessment and strain-based design of oil and gas pipelines. The double-clip on gauge method has been used to experimentally determine CTOD. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) finite element analyses of clamped single-edge tension (SE(T)) specimens are carried out to investigate the accuracy of the CTOD evaluation equation associated with the double-clip on gauge method. The analysis considers SE(T) specimens with ranges of crack lengths (0.3 ≤ a/W ≤ 0.7) and specimen thickness (B/W = 0.5, 1 and 2). Based on the analysis results, a modified CTOD evaluation equation based on the double-clip on gauge method is developed to improve the accuracy of the CTOD evaluation. This study will facilitate the application of the fracture toughness determined from the SE(T) specimen in the strain-based design of pipelines.