On The Problem of an Axial Semi-Elliptical Crack in a Hollow Ductile Cylinder

We revisit the problem of an axial crack in a hollow cylinder and attempt to show that the wall thickness is as a governing length scale for the design of such structures. In particular, yield based design should be performed for thin-walled tubes leading to a critical pressure. Large thick-walled tubes should on the other hand, be designed using the fracture mechanics criterion based on a material dependent fracture toughness.