The prediction of creep rupture of pressurized tubes using a model for void growth and coalescence

A phenomenological formulation based on a theory of plasticity for voided solids, and power-law creep, to estimate the rupture times and strains for pressurized tubes is presented. Realistic values of the damage parameters involved are selected by satisfying the creep rupture uniaxial data for the same materials. Void growth and coalescence and hence the loss of load-carrying capacity of the tube is taken as a failure criterion. Computed values of rupture times for thin- and thick-walled tubes are shown to be mostly in close agreement with the experimental data found in the literature. Only fair agreement among predicted and experimental fracture strains is observed.