Fatigue performance of butt-welded joints containing various embedded defects

Abstract

The presence of possible welding defects needs to be taken into account in order to get rational performance of welded structural member considering its fitness for purpose. Accordingly, it is necessary to identify fatigue performance of welded joint containing various defects. Fatigue performance of butt-welded joint specimens considering five types of defect, which are vary in size and location, is studied in wider fatigue life range. It is observed that the shape, size, and location of the defects considerably affect the fatigue performance of the specimens. Fatigue life prediction by fracture mechanics analysis based on current recommendation is generally conservative in long life region.