Opportunities and partial problems of HFMI implementation in design of welded structures of rail vehicles

Abstract

This paper highlights the main impacts of HFMI (High Frequency Mechanical Impact) technology on increasing the fatigue resistance and extending the fatigue life of welded joints. In the case study there are SN curves of T-welded joints made of two different steels (conventional steel S235JR and high strength steel S460MC). For both materials there is a comparison of SN curves with and without HFMI treatment. Both samples are loaded by bending for cycle asymmetry R = 0. The failure criterion is a decrease in stiffness caused by the formation of a macrocrack. The results of fatigue testing are then applied in a parametric study, which assumes a random loading of a selected structural detail in a railway application. Opportunities and barriers of the implementation of HFMI in practice are mentioned and documented according to results of laboratory experiments, which take place in cooperation with the university research center and the manufacturer of railway vehicles.