Prediction of weld toe magnification factors for semi-elliptical cracks in single T-butt joints under bending loading

Abstract

This report presents a set of estimation equations for the weld toe magnification factors (Mk) for semi-elliptical cracks in single T-butt joints. The weld toe magnification factors obtained from this set of equations are compared to the values generated by Bowness and Lee [3].

Finite Element Analysis is used to generate the Mk factors in this project. Parameters such as aspect ratio, crack depth ratio, weld angle and attachment footprint width ratio are studied during the course of this project and the effects these parameters have on the Mk factors are also elaborated.

Subsequently, the Mk estimation equations are built up using multiple regressions with the help of Matlab software. Through percentage error frequency histograms, the equations are shown to be good fit to the data from which they were developed. Furthermore, comparisons between the existing and new solutions are done to determine the suitability of the equations.