摘要

The flaw shape during sub-critical crack propagation is important in order to estimate the crack opening area and leak rate at breakthrough and for the leaking crack. The ability to detect this leak rate is one of the cornerstones in the leak before break (LBB) philosophy. In this study, a new numerical method based on coupled finite element-meshfree Galerkin method (FE/EFG) is introduced to predict fatigue crack growth in a plate. The predictions are benchmarked against available fatigue experiments. Using the numerical method, the fatigue crack growth in a typical pressure pipe with surface crack is also investigated, based on which some conclusions and recommendations are given.