The Effect of the Welding Direction on Fatigue Crack Propagation Rate of Welded Shell Kiln

Abstract

In this paper, the fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) properties of welded kiln shell at various positions relative to the weld has been proposed. This is achieved by combining an experimental and three-dimensional finite element model are used to demonstrate the results of fatigue crack growth rate curves in the kiln welded shell. Experimental marked crack fronts are used to determine the da/dN at local regions and provide the profile information for FE modeling. Stress Intensity Factor (SIF) at local regions is determined by FE analysis and the driving force ΔK of FCGR can be derived. Furthermore, from the mixture method, material constants of Paris law (c and m) on a welded-parts and non-welded part is measured. When crack grow across the weld-line, material constants of Paris law vary according to the effect of the welded part. In the result, the constant of Paris can be used to predict a fatigue crack growth of rotary kiln structure in finite element analysis.