A review of stress intensity factors for a semi-elliptical surface crack in a plate and fillet welded joint

TWI Industrial Member Report Summary 426/1990

By H L J Pang

Background

Stress concentration magnification factors for a semi-elliptical surface crack in a fillet welded joint have been critically reviewed from the available three-dimensional solutions. These have been derived by finite element analysis of the welded joint ignoring the presence of residual stresses. Comparisons made with two-dimensional finite element solutions produced by The Welding Institute show that it was possible to combine the two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite element results to give recommendations on the wider application of stress concentration magnification factors in fillet welded joints.