XFEM fracture analysis of cracked pipeline with and without FRP composite repairs

Abstract

The effect of fiber reinforced polymer composite (FRPC) repair on crack propagation in thin-walled steel pipes is examined. The extended finite element method is used in this study to simulate a pressurized cylindrical pipe with longitudinal crack in two conditions: the original cracked pipe and the pipe repaired with a composite patch. Carbon/epoxy or E-glass/epoxy FRP in two different fiber orientations are assumed for cracked pipe repair. Performance of four types of FRP repair systems are investigated by CTOA, COD and COA fracture criteria for both the pipe integrity assessment and the potential age of leak before break criterion.