Influences of shielded metal are welded cruciform joint dimensions on toe crack failures of pressure vessel grade steels

A mathematical model has been developed to predict the fatigue life of Shie lded Metal Are Welded (SMAW) cruciform joints failing from toe region. High strength, quenched and tempered steel (ASTM 517 'F' Grade) has been used a s the base material throughout the investigation. Design of Experiments (Do E) concept has been used to optimise the required number of experiments. Fa tigue experiments have been conducted in a mechanical resonance pulsator, u nder constant amplitude loading. The model has been developed by Response S urface Method (RSM). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique has been applie d to find out the significant factors. By using the developed model, the fa tigue life of shielded metal are welded cruciform joints failing from toe r egion can be predicted at 95% confidence level. The influences of cruciform joint dimensions on fatigue life have been analysed in detail. (C) 2000 El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.