Local approaches to fatigue assessment are used to predict the structural durability of welded joints, to optimise their design and to evaluate unforeseen joint failures. This standard work provides a systematic survey of the principles and practical applications of the various methods. It covers the hot spot structural stress approach to fatigue in general, the notch stress and notch strain approach to crack initiation and the fracture mechanics approach to crack propagation. Seam-welded and spot-welded joints in structural steels and aluminium alloys are also considered.This completely reworked second edition takes into account the tremendous progress in understanding and applying local approaches which has been achieved in the last decade. It is a standard reference for designers, structural analysts and testing engineers who are responsible for the fatigue-resistant in-service behaviour of welded structures. - Completely reworked second edition of a standard work providing a systematic survey of the principles and practical applications of the various methods - Covers the hot spot structural stress approach to fatigue in general, the notch stress and notch strain approach to crack initiation and the fracture mechanics approach to crack propagation. - Written by a distinguished team of authors

Local approaches to fatigue assessment are used to predict the structural durability of welded joints, to optimise their design and to evaluate unforeseen joint failures. This standard work provides a systematic survey of the principles and practical applications of the various methods. It covers the hot spot structural stress approach to fatigue in general, the notch stress and notch strain approach to crack initiation and the fracture mechanics approach to crack propagation. Seam-welded and spot-welded joints in structural steels and aluminium alloys are also considered.This completely reworked second edition takes into account the tremendous progress in understanding and applying local approaches which has been achieved in the last decade. It is a standard reference for designers, structural analysts and testing engineers who are responsible for the fatigue-resistant in-service behaviour of welded structures.

The failure of any welded joint is at best inconvenient and at worst can lead to catastrophic accidents. Fracture and fatigue of welded joints and structures analyses the processes and causes of fracture and fatigue, focusing on how the failure of welded joints and structures can be predicted and minimised in the design process.Part one concentrates on analysing fracture of welded joints and structures, with chapters on constraint-based fracture mechanics for predicting joint failure, fracture assessment methods and the use of fracture mechanics in the fatigue analysis of welded joints. In part two, the emphasis shifts to fatigue, and chapters focus on a variety of aspects of fatigue analysis including assessment of local stresses in welded joints, fatigue design rules for welded structures, k-nodes for offshore structures and modelling residual stresses in predicting the service life of structures.With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Fracture and fatigue of welded joints and structures is an essential reference for mechanical, structural and welding engineers, as well as those in the academic sector with a research interest in the field. - Analyses the processes and causes of fracture and fatigue, focusing predicting and minimising the failure of welded joints in the design process - Assesses the fracture of welded joints and structure featuring constraint-based fracture mechanics for predicting joint failure - Explores specific considerations in fatigue analysis including the assessment of local stresses in welded joints and fatigue design rules for welded structures

This book provides a basis for the design and analysis of welded components that are subjected to fluctuating forces, to avoid failure by fatigue. It is also a valuable resource for those on boards or commissions who are establishing fatigue design codes. For maximum benefit, readers should already have a working knowledge of the basics of fatigue and fracture mechanics. The purpose of designing a structure taking into consideration the limit state for fatigue damage is to ensure that the performance is satisfactory during the design life and that the survival probability is acceptable. The latter is achieved by the use of appropriate partial safety factors. This document has been prepared as the result of an initiative by Commissions XIII and XV of the International Institute of Welding (IIW).

An English version of a sucessful German book. Both traditional and modern concepts are described.

This book provides background and guidance on the use of the structural hot-spot stress approach to fatigue analysis. The book also offers Design S-N curves for use with the structural hot-spot stress for a range of weld details, and presents parametric formulas for calculating stress increases due to misalignment and structural discontinuities. Highlighting the extension to structures fabricated from plates and non-tubular sections. The structural hot-spot stress approach focuses on cases of potential fatigue cracking from the weld toe and it has been in use for many years in tubular joints. Following an explanation of the structural hot-spot stress, its definition and its relevance to fatigue, the book describes methods for its determination. It considers stress determination from both finite element analysis and strain gauge measurements, and emphasizes the use of finite element stress analysis, providing guidance on the choice of element type and size for use with either solid or shell elements. Lastly, it illustrates the use of the recommendations in four case studies involving the fatigue assessment of welded structures using the structural hot-spot stress

The weld toe is a primary source of fatigue cracking because of the severity of the stress concentration it produces. Weld toe improvement can increase the fatigue strength of new structures significantly. It can also be used to repair or upgrade existing structures. However, in practice there have been wide variations in the actual improvements in fatigue strength achieved. Based on an extensive testing programme organised by the IIW, this report reviews the main methods for weld toe improvement to increase fatigue strength: burr grinding, TIG dressing and hammer and needle peening. The report provides specifications for the practical use of each method, including equipment, weld preparation and operation. It also offers guidance on inspection, quality control and training as well as assessments of fatigue strength and thickness effects possible with each technique. IIW recommendations on methods for improving the fatigue strength of welded joints will allow a more consistent use of these methods and more predictable increases in fatigue strength. Provides specifications for the practical use of each weld toe method, including equipment, weld preparation and operation Offers guidance on inspection, quality control and training, as well as assessments of fatigue strength and thickness effects possible with each technique This report will allow a more consistent use of these methods and more predictable increases in fatigue strength

The notch stress approach for fatigue assessment of welded joints is based on the highest elastic stress at the weld toe or root. In order to avoid arbitrary or infinite stress results, a rounded shape with a reference radius instead of the actual sharp toe or root is usually assumed. IIW recommendations for the fatigue assessment of welded structures by notch stress analysis reviews different proposals for reference radii together with associated S-N curves. Detailed recommendations are given for the numerical analysis of notch stress by the finite or boundary element method. Several aspects are discussed, such as the structural weakening by keyhole-shaped notches and the consideration of multiaxial stress states. Appropriate S-N curves are presented for the assessment of the fatigue strength of different materials. Finally, four examples illustrate the application of the approach as well as the variety of structures which can be analysed and the range of results that can be obtained from different models. Provides detailed recommendations for the number analysis of notch stress by the finite or boundary element method Discusses structural weakening by keyhole-shaped notches and the consideration of multiaxial stress states Provides four comprehensive examples, illustrating the variety of structures which can be analysed and the range of results that can be obtained from different models

In five chapters, this volume presents recent developments in fatigue assessment. In the first chapter, a generalized Neuber concept of fictitious notch rounding is presented where the microstructural support factors depend on the notch opening angle besides the loading mode. The second chapter specifies the notch stress factor including the strain energy density and J-integral concept while the SED approach is applied to common fillet welded joints and to thin-sheet lap welded joints in the third chapter. The forth chapter analyses elastic-plastic deformations in the near crack tip zone and discusses driving force parameters. The last chapter discusses thermomechanical fatigue, stress, and strain ranges.