Crack Growth in AL 6061-T6 in Thin Plates Used in Petroleum Equipment Under Dynamic Load

Studying crack growth in aluminium alloys helps design safer structures and components.It allows more durable and flexible products to develop, resulting in enhanced safety and performance.Cracks in oil and gas equipment can cause accidents and environmental damage.The study investigated the influence of the dynamic load of a 6061-T6 aluminium plate with two fixed edges with dimensions of 80 mm and two free edges at variable dimensions of 80 mm, and 160 mm.A crack was created in the middle of an aluminium plate using a laser beam of thickness 0.08mm.The crack had different lengths, 3mm, and 5mm, and was created at angles of 0, 45, and 90 degrees.The study focused on determining the initial crack growth caused by the dynamic impact load caused by the free fall weight at a rate of 20 impacts per minute, the study performed experimental, numerical, and analytical investigations.Based on the experimental results, it was observed that increasing the crack length from 3 mm to 5 mm reduced the initial growth time by 45% in a plate with an aspect ratio of 1:1.However, in a plate with an aspect ratio of 1:2, the percentage of reduction in initial growth time was 16.5%.The results showed that increasing the crack angle from 0 to 90 degrees prolonged the crack growth in all samples with the same test conditions.The study's significance lies in determining the time required for crack growth in thin plates of this commonly used alloy in oil and gas applications like liquefied natural gas storage tanks, pipes, tanks, drilling equipment, and cutters.The research outcomes will provide valuable insights into the material's behavior, contributing to developing improved products and processes in this sector.