Abstract: A crack arrestor apparatus and method for making same by applying layers of a composite material of non-metallic fibers and resin around a length of pipe; the fibers generally aligned with the pipe circumference. The applied layers have a thicker portion in the middle and a thinner portion on the ends. Part of the pipe covered by the thicker portion is then yielded by application of radial force past the elastic limit of the pipe, thereby creating circumferential tension on the composite. At least a portion of the composite remains in circumferential tension upon release of the radial force. The residual stresses in the yielded metal pipe assist to arrest crack propagation. Thereby, the process to arrest a crack in a metal pipe includes maintaining circumferential tension in a composite residing around the pipe while maintaining compressive circumferential residual stress on the metal pipe covered by the composite.

Abstract: A crack arrestor apparatus and method for making same by applying layers of a composite material of non-metallic fibers and resin around a length of pipe; the fibers generally aligned with the pipe circumference. The applied layers have a thicker portion in the middle and a thinner portion on the ends. Part of the pipe covered by the thicker portion is then yielded by application of radial force past the elastic limit of the pipe, thereby creating circumferential tension on the composite. At least a portion of the composite remains in circumferential tension upon release of the radial force. The residual stresses in the yielded metal pipe assist to arrest crack propagation. Thereby, the process to arrest a crack in a metal pipe includes maintaining circumferential tension in a composite residing around the pipe while maintaining compressive circumferential residual stress on the metal pipe covered by the composite.