Crack growth in pin-loaded tubes Part 2: Comparison of experimental data with numerical results

Abstract

This paper details results obtained from an experimental examination of the fatigue crack growth in pin-loaded tubes. Initially, various methods of acquiring crack growth data, which can present particular difficulties for this geometry and type of connection, are briefly reviewed. The nature of crack growth in this particular pin-loaded joint is classified in terms of its trajectory, tilt and twist; crack geometric data are analysed within these categories. The work is then correlated with numerical results provided by the finite element method given in the companion paper, Part 1. The crack growth rate is also compared with published data and a satisfactory correlation found. This will enable an analyst to have more confidence in predicting the remaining life of a pin-loaded cracked tube.