Fracture of plastic pipes

Fracture of polymers is a mode of failure, which is the result of weakening of the molecular bonds, separation of molecular chains, and finally separation of the fracture surfaces. Fracture is a universal phenomenon, which may occur in various material bodies under various circumstances. The importance of fracture is because of the sequential events that may occur; some of which may have serious consequences. Loss of strength and loss of tightness are the technical consequences of pipe fracture. Certain side effects, such as explosions in gas pipes and flooding, caused in the case of water and drainage pipe systems may have far graver consequences. Every material has a certain resistance to fracture. Initial cracks or flaws may act as triggering agents and can intensify the stress and cause a stress concentration. Fracture mechanics is the discipline concerned with the behavior of materials containing cracks or other small flaws. In pipe systems, fracture may not only occur in plastic pipes, but also in pipe made of other materials such as steel pipes, iron pipes, and composite pipes. Fracture of pipes is one of the most statistically common failure events that may manifest it in various modes and give rise to various side effects.