Crack arrestor

In materials science and material fatigue, a crack arrestor or rip-stop doubler is a structurally strong ring or strip of material which serves to contain stress cracking that could lead to catastrophic failure of a device.

The crack arrestor can be as simple as a thickened region of metal, or may be constructed of a laminated or woven material that can withstand deformation without failure.

Crack arrestors were used to reinforce the airplane hull of the de Havilland Comet following a series of catastrophic accidents related to structural design problems that were previously unknown.

External links

• Research paper on crack arrestors used in chemical transport pipelines, to protect against bursting and exterior damage: Brauer, H.; Knauf, G.; Hillenbrand, H.-G. (2004) "Crack arrestors," 4th International Conference on Pipeline Technology (Ostend, Belgium), 9–12 May 2004. Available at: Berg Steel Pipe