Analysing the influences of weld size on fatigue life prediction of FCAW cruciform joints by strain energy concept

The effect of weld size on fatigue life of flux cored are welded (FCAW) cru ciform joints containing lack of penetration (LOP) defect has been analysed by using the strain energy density factor (SEDF) concept. Moreover, new fr acture mechanics equations have been developed to predict the fatigue life of the cruciform joints. Load carrying cruciform joints were fabricated fro m ASTM 517 'F' grade steel. Fatigue crack growth experiments were carried o ut in a vertical pulsar (SCHENCK 200 kN capacity) with a frequency of 30 Hz under a constant amplitude loading (R = 0). It was found that the crack gr owth rates were relatively lower in the larger welds fabricated by the mult ipass welding technique than the smaller welds fabricated by the single pas s welding technique. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.