Abstract
The evaluation of the stress concentration factor (SCF) at the notches of welds is of importance, especially for butt-welded joints that are widespread in the industry. Some empirical formulae can be found in the literature to estimate the SCF at the weld toes of butt-welded joints, while few solutions are available for the distorted joints under tensile fatigue test conditions. In the present study, the existing SCF formulae for butt-welded joints loaded in tension are examined and discussed. The influence of the weld width on SCF, which is commonly ignored or misestimated by existing solutions, is investigated comprehensively based on a large set of two-dimensional (2D) finite element analyses. Consequently, a new precise parametric formula for the elastic SCF at the weld toe of geometrically symmetric butt-welded joints under tension is proposed, together with a wide application range. Moreover, the analysis is also extended to consider joints with angular distortion. A two-step finite element analysis is employed to simulate the clamping and loading procedures in the fatigue test. Similarly, the parametric formulae for the assessment of clamping-induced stress and SCF caused by angular distortion are carried out as well based on the results from finite element analyses. The formulae proposed by this paper are finally tested and proved to be valid and precise.
Highlights
Welded joints are extensively used in structures such as bridges, towers, ships, and pressure vessels
The fatigue behavior of these welded joints is complicated by a mass of factors, such as the weld profile, the microstructure of the heat-affected zone, and the residual stress around the welds
The influences of the weld geometry and details [1,2], residual stress [3], heat treatment [4,5], and loading type [6] on the fatigue behavior of welded joints have been investigated by the fatigue experimental research
Summary
Welded joints are extensively used in structures such as bridges, towers, ships, and pressure vessels. Further investigations are encouraged to improve the precision and to extend the application ranges of the SCF formulae for butt-welded joints. The angular distortion due to the thermal heat–input effect is common in butt-welded joints It will induce additional secondary bending stress in welds when the joint is subjected to tensile loading. The the parametric formulae for SCF the SCF and clamping-induced the weld of distorted butt parametric formulae for the and clamping-induced stressstress at theatweld toe oftoe distorted butt joints joints fatigue test conditions are proposed. Such results stochastically and independently in the corresponding application ranges Such results allow an allow an accurate evaluation of the and clamping-induced stress for the distorted butt-welded accurate evaluation of the SCF and clamping-induced stress for the distorted butt-welded joints under joints under fatigue test conditions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
