Fatigue strength assessment of welded joints incorporating the variability in local weld geometry using a probabilistic framework
Gustav Hultgren, Rami Mansour, Zuheir Barsoum
Abstract
Progress in developing digital quality assurance systems for welded joints has made it possible to accurately measure the local geometry and its variation, making it possible to derive new relations between the geometric variations and fatigue. A probabilistic model for the fatigue strength is here presented based on the actual weld geometry. The novelty lies in that representative stresses can be determined for both the complete weld and sections of the weld. Calibration of the model using 105 fatigue-tested specimens shows a reduced variation in SN-diagrams compared with the nominal stress methods when substantial weld geometry variations are present.
Topics & Concepts
WeldingStructural engineeringProbabilistic logicMaterials scienceFatigue limitGeometryEngineeringMetallurgyMathematicsComputer scienceArtificial intelligenceFatigue and fracture mechanicsWelding Techniques and Residual StressesNon-Destructive Testing Techniques