COMPLAS 2025

Keynote

Simulation of pipe failure using a nonlocal GTN model

  • Besson, Jacques (Centre des Matériaux CNRS UMR 7633)
  • Catel, Emmanuelle (EDF R&D)
  • Dahl, Anna (EDF R&D)
  • Lorentz, Eric (EDF R&D)

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The simulation of the failure of metallic industrial structures remains a challenging problem. In this work, the ductile failure of full-size pipe elements used in the nuclear industry is analyzed using a nonlocal Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) model. The model is implemented in the finite element code Code_Aster and fitted to experimental data obtained during the ATLAS+ European project. The database consists of tests on smooth and notched specimens, and tests on precracked Compact Tension (CT) and Single Edge Notch Tensile (SENT) specimens. The model parameters describe work-hardening, growth of voids initiated on MnS inclusions, secondary nucleation on iron carbides (Fe3C) and final failure. The nucleation rate depends on the Lode parameter of the stress tensor (L) with nucleation being easier for L close to 0. This dependence is key to simulating CT and SENT tests with the same set of parameters. The model is then used to simulate the failure of three full-size cracked pipe elements at room temperature and 100°C. The results are compared to the experimental data and show a good agreement in terms of load-displacement but also in terms of crack shape.