Some applications and demonstrations of UFLP

Abstract

It is now well recognized that small pre-existing defects are an inherent feature of engineering components and structures, especially in welded structures. For an ideal material with no initial flaws or imperfections, the fatigue crack initiation life usually represents the majority of the total fatigue life, but for structures with a pre-existing flaw or cracks, the initiation life is very small and the FCP life represents the majority of the total life. Ships and marine structures are very large welded metal structures operating in a marine environment. The fatigue life of marine structures can be predicted by FCP. Due to the complex nature of the structure and environmental loading, much research on the fatigue life of marine structures predicted by FCP has been done. But no universal or all-encompassing model exists. Here, only the UFLP method is demonstrated.