Reference stress based J estimation equations applicable to cracked cylinders with a Wide range of radius-to thickness ratios: Part I- axial surface cracks

This paper compares systematic finite element results with reference stress based J estimation equations for pressurised axial surface and through-wall cracked cylinders with the radius-to-thickness ratio ranging from five up to seventy. It is found that, for the reference stress, the use of the Tresca limit pressure given in R6 provides satisfactory results for all cases considered; for both inner and external axial surface cracks; for both semi-elliptical and constant-depth axial surface cracks. These results are obtained for high strain hardening materials such as Type 304 stainless steel. •Propose reference stress based J estimation equations for pressurised axial surface and through-wall cracked cylinders.•Can be applied to cylinders with the radius-to-thickness ratio ranging from five up to seventy.•Be valid for both semi-elliptical and constant-depth axial surface cracks.•Be valid for high strain hardening materials such as Type 304 stainless steel.•Check validity by comparing with systematic finite element results.