A method of predicting the fatigue life curve for misaligned welded joints

The effects of material properties, manner of loading, geometric shape, value of misalignment, residual stress, stress ratio and short crack in notch root of misaligned welded joint on the fatigue life are considered respectively. By means of Peterson's equation and Topper's equation and the concept of the worst-case fatigue notch factor, two estimating equations of effective stress concentration factors have been adopted. A method for predicting the fatigue life curve of misaligned welded joints for middle range of cycle numbers is developed. As an example of application of the method, the fatigue life curves of several misaligned welded joints made of low-alloy structural steel are predicted. Good agreement between the predicting and experimental results is achieved. This method has significance for engineering applications.