Application of J-integral methods to tough pipe materials

In this work, the fracture resistance of three different and very tough piping materials was characterized for the development of multi-layered pipes based on biomaterials. For these materials both stiff and brittle, and soft and ductile materials are necessary. While the fracture mechanical characterization of the former can be seen as quite straight forward, the later can prove rather difficult. Therefore, two methods from elastic plastic fracture mechanics were examined, applied and discussed in detail for the use with very tough pipe grade materials.