TECHNICAL REFERENCE FOR THE USE OF THE SLOW CRACK GROWTH TEST FOR MODELING AND PREDICTING THE LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE OF POLYETHYLENE GAS PIPES. FINAL REPORT, MARCH 1987-MAY 1992. VOLUME 2

The project was undertaken for the purposes of quantifying the Battelle slow crack growth (SCG) test for predicting long-term performance of polyethylene gas distribution pipes, and of demonstrating the applicability of the methodology for use by the gas industry for accelerated characterization testing, thereby bringing the SCG test development effort to a closure. The work has revealed that the Battelle SCG test, and the linear fracture mechanics interpretation that it currently utilizes, is valid for a class of PE materials. The long-term performance of these materials in various operating conditions can therefore be effectively predicted.