Effect of loading type and symmetry on the fatigue strength of non-load carrying joints - A comparison of effective notch stress approach and fracture mechanics

Abstract

Conventionally, the increasing share of bending stress (degree of bending, DOB) has been considered to improve the fatigue strength of structure. In this research work, the fatigue strengths of welded joints subjected to membrane and bending loads were investigated by means of effective notch stress approach and linear elastic fracture mechanics. The results showed that bending loading can cause significantly higher notch stress at weld toe compared to membrane loading.