Reliability index of HDPE pipe based on fracture toughness

Abstract

This work presents a contribution to evaluate the reliability of a high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe using the PHIMECA Software. The critical stress intensity factor (KIC) is adopted as a criterion to the maximum limit of a numerically calculated KI. The reliability index β is obtained using failure probability and a mechanical model. It is found that at lower KIC, no safe domain for actual service pressures existed while for moderate and higher values of KIC (above 3.5 MPa.ϵ); the β design index is reached and even exceeded. In terms of increasing crack length, β decreased systematically for all toughness cases supporting the idea that reliability and fracture toughness designate similar properties for service life or material resistance to cracking. For a KIC=5 MPa.ϵm, the pipe is considered safe when crack length is below 370μm. Finally, it is shown that SDR basis is a reasonable and conservative design approach for plastic pipes.