Three-Dimensional Analysis of Crack in Centrally Perforated Photoelastic Cylinders Under Internal Pressure

Abstract

In this study, the frozen stress photoelastic method was used to investigate the three-dimensional effect on the crack growth behavior in a centrally perforated circular cylinder under internal pressure. The inner surface of the cylinder had a star shape, which consisted of six fins. The specimens were capped at the ends and pressurized internally above critical temperature after real cracks were introduced at the fin tip. After growing to a desired size, the pressure was reduced to stop crack growth and held through cooling. Two different types of cracks, part-through crack and long crack with the crack length nearly equal to the length of the cylinder, were considered. The experimental data were analyzed, and the results are discussed.