Proof test criteria for thin walled pressure vesselsProof tests were conducted on surface-flaw pressure-vessel specimens of 2219-T87 aluminum base metal and weld metal at three different temperatures: 72, -320, and -423 F, and for three different metal sheet thicknesses: 0.125, 0.250, and 0.375 in. It was found that significant stable crack growth under increasing load can occur prior to failure. Initial flaw shapes and material conditions have a significant effect on the extent of crack growth. Stable crack growth initiates at a lower K sub Ii/K sub cr ratio and is more severe in weld metal specimens than in base metal specimens. Low aspect ratio flaws experience more growth in the depthwise direction than higher aspect ratio flaws. Proof testing assures that any first cycle failure will be by leakage, not by catastrophic failure.
Document ID
19770034212
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Finger, R. W. (Boeing Aerospace Co. Seattle, Wash., United States)