Actual weld profile fatigue performance by digital prototyping of defected and un‐defected joints

Abstract

This paper considers the effects of the actual weld profile on the fatigue behavior of welded joints by means of the implicit gradient approach. Different types of geometrical approximation are considered in the analysis. In order to define the fatigue strength reduction factor of the actual weld profile, FE analyses have been considered based on a three-dimensional scan of the welded joints. Furthermore, the fatigue behavior of butt-welded joints with a discontinuous undercut is considered, and a comparison has been made with experimental data taken from the literature.

Numerical Analysis of Double Riveted Lap Joints

“…The Wöhler curve is predicted numerically and takes into account the clamping stresses and friction. However, more generally, the fatigue behaviour of the joints could be evaluated by means of so-called local approaches such as the Theory of the Critical Distances [20,21], the Strain Energy Density Method [22][23][24][25], or the Implicit Gradient approach [26,27]. These approaches require the stress state and its gradient to be known in order to perform a fatigue assessment of the specimens or the components, provided that the initiation phase is predominant with respect to the fatigue crack growth phase.…”

Fatigue & Fracture of Engineering Materials & Structures Virtual Special Issue: Data science and machine learning for fatigue and fracture assessment

“…Livieri and Tovo 7 examined the effects of the actual weld profile on the fatigue behavior of welded joints via the implicit gradient approach. FE analyses were based on the three‐dimensional scans of the welded joints, and a comparison was made with experimental data from the literature.…”