Two-dimensional and three-dimensional magnification factors, M-k, for non-load-carrying fillet welds cruciform joints

Two-dimensional M-k factors at the weld toe of non-load-carrying transverse welded attachments are derived indirectly using the principle of superposi tion and stresses obtained from boundary element analysis. The results are in good agreement with that obtained by Maddox and Andrews [1] for differen t ratios of 1/T, where I is the weld toe to weld toe distance, and Tis the main plate thickness. Further three-dimensional boundary element analysis u sing realistic crack shapes, confirm that l/T is the most important paramet er. Two-dimensional edge cracks analyses overestimate and underestimate the deepest and surface points M-k values by as much as 15% and 65% respective ly. Parametric equations for three-dimensional M-k are proposed for design purposes. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.