Thickness Effect and Fatigue Crack Development in Welded T-Joints

Abstract

The effect of section thickness on the fatigue life of welded plate-to-plate T-joints was studied experimentally and theoretically using various linear elastic fracture mechanics models. Fatigue crack depth and shape development were monitored using potential drop techniques, ink staining and beachmarking. These data are used to define initiation and propagation lives, and to show the importance of crack coalescence in the propagation phase. The effects of attachment plate thickness and weld geometry are also discussed.