A numerical analysis of multiaxial fatigue in a butt weld specimen considering residual stresses

Residual Stress (RS) pattern changes considerably depending on the width of the plates and the welding parameters, having effect on the fatigue strength. Most of the standards do not consider them and in some works, yield stress is taken as residual stress value. It results in a very conservative estimation of fatigue life. Authors developed recently a numerical model to predict more properly the value of RS pattern depending on the plate thickness. In a welded joint, considering the RS and alternating axial loads, the evolution of the stresses is multiaxial, becoming necessary its study. Therefore, the aim of this work is to analyse different fatigue indicator parameters (Smith-Watson-Topper, Fatemi-Socie, and Critical Plane implementation of the Basquin equation) in order to predict the fatigue behaviour of butt-weld components. For that purpose, the numerical model to predict the RS pattern in welded joint developed by this research group is used.