Abstract
Laser welding is an innovative technology of joining metallic materials. In comparison with conventional arc welding, it has numerous advantages, like high energy of laser beam and high effectiveness, very good reproducibility, possibilities of automation, low energy consumption etc. High pressure vessels and high pressure pipeline industry represent perspective new fields of application. However, since pressure vessels and pipelines are usually operated at conditions of repeated or cyclic loading, an acceptable resistance to fatigue loading of the welds has to be demonstrated. In this contribution, results of an experimental programme aimed at an evaluation of high-cycle fatigue resistance in and near laser welds of a P355 pressure vessel steel are presented and discussed. Particular attention is paid to evaluation of crack initiation mechanisms in connection to laser weld character and welding imperfections. The programme is completed by measurement of fatigue crack growth rates and threshold values in the weld. Results of high-cycle fatigue tests of some groups of specimens were characteristic by a considerable scatter. The reason of the scatter was found in welding defects in some parts of the welds. Fatigue results are discussed also from the viewpoint of fracture mechanics and threshold values of fatigue crack growth.
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