Numerical modelling of dynamic ductile fracture propagation in different lab-scale experiments using GTN damage model

Initiation and propagation of ductile fractures are a major consideration during the design of high-pressure pipelines. Consequences of a pipeline failure can be catastrophic thus structural integrity must be ensured over several decades. Traditional lab-scale experiments such as the Charpy V-Notch (CVN) and Drop Weight Tear Test (DWTT), impact experiments on a notched three-point bending sample, are widely used to measure the fracture toughness of a material. However, with increasing wall thickness and the transition to high-grade steels in the pipeline industry, the size-effect of the specimen and inverse fracture became prominent issues. A new testing methodology called the Dynamic Tensile Tear Test (DT3) is currently investigated as to address the issues presented by the current state of the art.

In this study, a numerical investigation is conducted on the CVN, DWTT and DT3 experiments to compare the modelling of dynamic ductile fracture propagation in three different testing scales using the Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) damage model. X70 and X100 pipeline steel grades are used to model material behaviour. For each considered lab-scale experiment, the dynamic ductile fracture behaviour was successfully reproduced using the GTN damage model.