A team of engineers was called in to investigate the failure. They began by collecting data on the pipeline's material properties, operating conditions, and inspection history. They also conducted a thorough visual examination of the failed component.
da/dN = C * (ΔK)^m
K = σ√(πa)
The team also discovered that the pipeline had been subjected to a series of pressure cycles, with pressures ranging from 500 to 900 psi. These cycles had caused fatigue cracks to form and grow in the weld region.