Abstract
The work presented here builds on the practical and effective spot weld fatigue life prediction method, the structural stress method (SSM), that was developed recently [1]. Constant amplitude loading tests for various spot weld joint configurations have been conducted and the SSM has been shown to accurately predict fatigue life [1]. In this paper, a variable amplitude fatigue life prediction method based on the SSM and Palmgren-Miner's rule is proposed. A test matrix was designed to study the fatigue behavior of spot welds under tensile shear loading conditions. Constant amplitude tests under various R-ratios were first performed to obtain necessary material constants. Variable amplitude tests were then performed. Experimental and finite element data are presented. The ability of the SSM to include load ratio effects and predict life for variable amplitude tests is illustrated.
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