The impact of notch length and applied pressure on the development of confinement stress T within a pipe arc subjected to internal pressure

Geometric discontinuities within mechanical components can significantly alter the stress distribution, leading to localized stress concentrations that increase the risk of failure. These discontinuities, which can take the form of cracks, notches, or other defects, can cause premature material degradation if not properly accounted for during the design and analysis phases. The presence of such discontinuities often results in variations of stress, which may accelerate the wear and tear of mechanical systems or structures, compromising their integrity over time. This study focuses on the numerical analysis of T-stress terms in Mode I for pipeline specimens with external surface cracks. By using the stress difference method (SDM), developed by Yang, this research aims to evaluate how the applied stress influences the behavior of the pipeline near the crack tip. The study provides a detailed examination of the evolution of these T-stress terms and explores how changes in parameters, such as crack length and applied pressure, can affect the stress distribution and lead to the potential for failure. The results highlight the importance of accurately predicting stress concentrations and their impact on the durability of pipeline systems under internal pressure.