The Model of Fatigue Crack Growth in High Pressure Cylinder Wall

This paper presents numerical study to predict crack growth rate under fatigue loading in a high pressure cylinder wall made of high strength steel. Experimental fatigue crack growth data on three point bending test samples were applied to simulate and predict crack growth process using detailed three dimensional parametric finite element models. The fatigue crack propagation was based on linear elastic fracture mechanics and stress intensity factor determination. Finite element model provides results of crack growth analysis optimized for the stress levels of operating pressure level. Results are plotted on S-N curves and the disparity was explained in terms of crack growth rates near threshold stress intensity factor range. Results were compared with an experimental fatigue test.