Method and apparatus for providing leak-before-burst failure of a pressurized component

In a pressure vessel, pressure fitting, or pressure component, service use may result in the propagation of fatigue cracks. According to embodiments, a leak channel may be designed and formed to cause a pressurized fluid nominally contained by the pressure member to leak after formation of a fatigue crack, rather than undergoing a more catastrophic burst failure. According to an embodiment, a method is taught for determining the propensity of fatigue cracks to form, determining the location of the possible fatigue cracks, and determining a location for a leak channel, leak hole, weep hole, etc. for preventing burst failure. According to an embodiment, a computer program performs steps to design leak channels for prevention of burst failures in favor of leak-before-burst (LBB) failures.