A comparison of geometrical parameter and Gurson's model approaches to simulations of ductile fracture in pipelines

In this paper ductile fracture processes are simulated by means of two different approaches. The first one is based on the use of the geometric parameters, namely Crack Tip Opening Displacement (CTOD) and Crack Tip Opening Angle (CTOA), which are assumed to govern the fracture process at the onset of crack propagation and during crack propagation, respectively. The second approach is based on the use of Gurson's porosity model. Finite elements simulations of crack processes in Three-Point-Bending (TPB) tests and in indented pressurized pipelines, carried out with both approaches, are compared with experimental results. A discussion on the applicability of both approaches is presented.