Fatigue Life Estimation of A Butt Welded Joint by S-N Approach
Fatigue Life Estimation of A Butt Welded Joint by S-N Approach
Fatigue Life Estimation of A Butt Welded Joint by S-N Approach
BY S-N APPROACH
Abstract - A failure analysis based on stress life approach may be useful for predicting the life time of weld in the structure. This
study presents an upcoming methodology in new three dimensional Finite Element Model to calculate the fatigue life of weld. Ansys
12.1 simulation software uses stress-life method, based on a static non-linear Structural analysis. The weld material S-N curve were
experimentally determined by the Fatigue testing of the dumbell specimen as per 7608 standard. This study assumes that a flaw exist
in weld due to welding process, material in-homogeneity, air voids, slugs or impurities in weld, improper surface machining and
many more. This material curve is used in simulation to get more accurate results. Thus the fatigue life prediction with the material
curves from experimentation will give us more accurate and close to actual failure results.
Keywords : Fatigue Life , S-N approach, Equivalent Stress.
Expertise in developing and manufacturing fatigue To carry out non-linear static analysis of specimen using
loaded welded structure with low LCC is a key aspect in ANSYS Classic Version 12.1. This is done to find out
order to stay competitive. Shorter development time for safe value of resultant displacement (stiffness) and Von
new products means that it is important to make the Misses stresses. A special attention is required to get
International Journal of Applied Research in Mechanical Engineering (IJARME) ISSN: 2231 –5950, Vol-2, Iss-2, 2012
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Fatigue Life Estimation of A Butt Welded Joint by S-N Approach
Fig. 1 : Dumbbell Specimen for Experimental Testing Figure 3 : Load Unit Specification and Fixture with
CTOD Sensor
International Journal of Applied Research in Mechanical Engineering (IJARME) ISSN: 2231 –5950, Vol-2, Iss-2, 2012
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Fatigue Life Estimation of A Butt Welded Joint by S-N Approach
b) Standards
ASTM E399, E647, B645, E1820, ISO 12737,
12108, 12135
C. Machine Capabilities
MTS provides the most complete Linear Elastic and
Elastic-Plastic Fracture, Toughness solutions. In Figure 7 : Specimen after fatigue failure.
addition to CTOD fracture criteria software, MTS D. Experimental Results of Fatigue Test
provides Fatigue Crack Propagation solutions. MTS
Fracture Mechanics Application software improves the Table 1 :Fatigue test results
accuracy of your testing while still being easy and
flexible to use. Predefined test templates provide the Sr. Thickn Breadth Load Applied Cycles
capability of testing to various ASTM, ISO and British No. ess mm mm kN Stress
test standards. Run-time graphical displays allow for MPa
monitoring the tests in progress and in order to react to 1 4 12.5 4 80 10752
0
events as they occur.
2 4 12.5 5.5 110 10008
a) Test Examples 0
3 4 12.5 7 140 52192
Fracture Toughness, Fatigue Crack Growth, Crack 4 4 12.5 8 160 53808
Propagation 5 4 12.5 Ulti.Load 245 1
1206 kgf
International Journal of Applied Research in Mechanical Engineering (IJARME) ISSN: 2231 –5950, Vol-2, Iss-2, 2012
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Fatigue Life Estimation of A Butt Welded Joint by S-N Approach
E. S-N data obtained by specimen testing 4. The material specific S-N curve is obtained for the
weld material. This is utilized to validate simulation
data.
5. Testing were performed on dumbbell specimen to
validate the concept of analysis. The fatigue life
predictions of dumbbell specimen by using these
methods were fairly in close agreement as shown in
graph.
6. Analytical calculations were performed on CT
specimen to validate the concept of analysis. The
fatigue life predictions of CT specimen by using
these methods were fairly in close agreement.
7. This simulation concept is not yet thoroughly
implemented in industry as well as in academics
because the simulation software’s like ANSYS 12.1
which are designed and developed on fatigue failure
concepts are in initial stage of development. But
definitely this will be the future asset of fatigue
prediction for all FEA engineers.
International Journal of Applied Research in Mechanical Engineering (IJARME) ISSN: 2231 –5950, Vol-2, Iss-2, 2012
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Fatigue Life Estimation of A Butt Welded Joint by S-N Approach
International Journal for Theoretical and Applied University, Daltech, Halifax, Nova Scotia,
Fracture Mechanics, Vol. 34, pp 85-92. Canada.
[7] Ashok Saxena, 1997, Non-Linear Fracture [12] S. M. Beden, S. Abdullah, A. K. Ariffin, 2004,
Mechanics for Engineers, CRC Press, Boca Review of Fatigue Crack Propagation Models for
Raton, New York Washington, DC Metallic Components, Department of Mechanical
and Materials Engineering, University of
[8] D.Radaj, C.M.Sonsino and W.Fricke, 2006,
Kebangsaan, Malaysia.
Fatigue Assessment of Welded Joints by Local
Approaches, Institute of Materials, Minerals and [13] P.JohanSingh, B.Guha, 2001, Fatigue tests and
Mining, CRC Press, Boca Raton, New York, estimation of crack initiation and propagation
Washington DC. lives in AISI 304L butt-welds with reinforcement
intact, Journal of Theoretical and Applied
[9] ASTM standards E399 and E647
Fracture Mechanics, Vol. 14, pp60-67.
[10] Yukitaka Murkami, 2006, Metal Fatigue: Effect
[14] AWS B1.10-1996: Guide for the Nondestructive
of Small Defects and Non-Metallic Inclusions,
Inspection of Welds
Elsevier Science Ltd, Oxford, UK.
[15] AWS D1.1-2008: Structural Welding Code for
[11] David Anthony Trask, 1998, Experimental and
steel
Numerical Investigation into Fatigue Crack
Propagation Models for 350WT Steel, Dalhousie [16] BS 7608: 1993: Fatigue Design and Assessment
of Steel Structures.
International Journal of Applied Research in Mechanical Engineering (IJARME) ISSN: 2231 –5950, Vol-2, Iss-2, 2012
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