Experimental investigation of axial rupture in a submerged pressure tube

An experimental program was conducted to investigate the physical processes associated with axial rupture in a liquid pressurized tube, Steel tubes, 50.8 mm in diameter and 0.9 mm wall thickness were ruptured in air and water to determine the influence of the pressurizing fluid (water and air) and surrounding liquid on the crack opening characteristics. The development of the crack opening area during rupture was recorded by high speed photography. Results are presented for the crack opening area history, for crack tip velocity, axial strain near the fracture path, and for the internal depressurization transient. The results indicate that the surrounding water has a significant effect on the opening characteristics in both the liquid pressurized and the pneumatic rupture cases.