Effect of residual stresses on the fracture of polypropylene (PPR) pipes

Polypropylene random copolymer (PPR) pipes is one of the most used polymers in the piping systems. Hence the need to more rigorously know their properties and characteristics. In order to investigate the distribution of the residual stresses along the wall and their effect on the fracture of the PPR pipes, an experimental methodology was conducted using tensile tests on a notched specimens machined from these pipes. Furthermore, the three stages of the damage development as well as the critical life fraction (βc) have been defined, through an adaptation of the Erismann damage model. Finally, the depths corresponding to 50% of the defected pipes reliability for both internal and external defects have been identified. •An investigate on the influence on the residual stresses on fracture of the PPR pipes.•An estimation of the residual stresses distribution in the walls of polypropylene (PPR) pipes.•Damage progression stages determination.