A Computationally Efficient <i>p</i>-Refinement Finite Element Method Approach for the Fracture Analysis of Axially Cracked Pipes with Composite Patch Reinforcement
Cylindrical shells are widely used in pipelines, pressure vessels, and aircraft fuselages due to their efficient internal pressure distribution. However, axial cracks caused by fatigue, environmental effects, or mechanical loading compromise structural integrity, requiring effective reinforcement. T...
Saved in:
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
|
| Series: | Applied Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/5/2711 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1850034874547699712 |
|---|---|
| author | Jae S. Ahn |
| author_facet | Jae S. Ahn |
| author_sort | Jae S. Ahn |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Cylindrical shells are widely used in pipelines, pressure vessels, and aircraft fuselages due to their efficient internal pressure distribution. However, axial cracks caused by fatigue, environmental effects, or mechanical loading compromise structural integrity, requiring effective reinforcement. This study presents a finite element modeling approach integrating <i>p</i>-refinement techniques for the efficient analysis of axially cracked pipes reinforced with composite patches. The proposed method unifies equivalent single-layer and layer-wise theories into a single finite element type, improving computational efficiency and eliminating the need for multiple element types in transition elements. Benchmark studies show that the proposed model accurately predicts mechanical behavior, with maximum displacement and stress intensity factors (SIFs) deviating by less than 5% from reference solutions. Fracture analysis using the virtual crack closure technique confirms the accuracy of the SIF calculations. In patched cracked pipes, the proposed model achieves a 67% reduction in degrees of freedom compared to conventional <i>p</i>-refinement layer-wise models, while maintaining computational accuracy. Additionally, boron–epoxy composite patches reduce SIFs by up to 40%, demonstrating effective crack reinforcement. These findings support computationally efficient damage-tolerant design strategies for pressurized cylindrical structures in aerospace, marine, and mechanical engineering. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-173cc66f18a547e5b20095ea86885ced |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-173cc66f18a547e5b20095ea86885ced2025-08-20T02:57:40ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-03-01155271110.3390/app15052711A Computationally Efficient <i>p</i>-Refinement Finite Element Method Approach for the Fracture Analysis of Axially Cracked Pipes with Composite Patch ReinforcementJae S. Ahn0School of General Education, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of KoreaCylindrical shells are widely used in pipelines, pressure vessels, and aircraft fuselages due to their efficient internal pressure distribution. However, axial cracks caused by fatigue, environmental effects, or mechanical loading compromise structural integrity, requiring effective reinforcement. This study presents a finite element modeling approach integrating <i>p</i>-refinement techniques for the efficient analysis of axially cracked pipes reinforced with composite patches. The proposed method unifies equivalent single-layer and layer-wise theories into a single finite element type, improving computational efficiency and eliminating the need for multiple element types in transition elements. Benchmark studies show that the proposed model accurately predicts mechanical behavior, with maximum displacement and stress intensity factors (SIFs) deviating by less than 5% from reference solutions. Fracture analysis using the virtual crack closure technique confirms the accuracy of the SIF calculations. In patched cracked pipes, the proposed model achieves a 67% reduction in degrees of freedom compared to conventional <i>p</i>-refinement layer-wise models, while maintaining computational accuracy. Additionally, boron–epoxy composite patches reduce SIFs by up to 40%, demonstrating effective crack reinforcement. These findings support computationally efficient damage-tolerant design strategies for pressurized cylindrical structures in aerospace, marine, and mechanical engineering.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/5/2711axial crackcomposite patch<i>p</i>-refinement FEMstress intensity factorvirtual crack closure technique |
| spellingShingle | Jae S. Ahn A Computationally Efficient <i>p</i>-Refinement Finite Element Method Approach for the Fracture Analysis of Axially Cracked Pipes with Composite Patch Reinforcement Applied Sciences axial crack composite patch <i>p</i>-refinement FEM stress intensity factor virtual crack closure technique |
| title | A Computationally Efficient <i>p</i>-Refinement Finite Element Method Approach for the Fracture Analysis of Axially Cracked Pipes with Composite Patch Reinforcement |
| title_full | A Computationally Efficient <i>p</i>-Refinement Finite Element Method Approach for the Fracture Analysis of Axially Cracked Pipes with Composite Patch Reinforcement |
| title_fullStr | A Computationally Efficient <i>p</i>-Refinement Finite Element Method Approach for the Fracture Analysis of Axially Cracked Pipes with Composite Patch Reinforcement |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Computationally Efficient <i>p</i>-Refinement Finite Element Method Approach for the Fracture Analysis of Axially Cracked Pipes with Composite Patch Reinforcement |
| title_short | A Computationally Efficient <i>p</i>-Refinement Finite Element Method Approach for the Fracture Analysis of Axially Cracked Pipes with Composite Patch Reinforcement |
| title_sort | computationally efficient i p i refinement finite element method approach for the fracture analysis of axially cracked pipes with composite patch reinforcement |
| topic | axial crack composite patch <i>p</i>-refinement FEM stress intensity factor virtual crack closure technique |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/5/2711 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT jaesahn acomputationallyefficientipirefinementfiniteelementmethodapproachforthefractureanalysisofaxiallycrackedpipeswithcompositepatchreinforcement AT jaesahn computationallyefficientipirefinementfiniteelementmethodapproachforthefractureanalysisofaxiallycrackedpipeswithcompositepatchreinforcement |