A mathematical model to predict fatigue notch factor of butt joints

A mathematical model is developed to predict the fatigue notch factor of butt welds subject to number of parameters such as weld geometry, residual stresses under dynamic combined loading conditions (tensile and bending). Linear elastic fracture mechanics, finite element analysis, dimensional analysis and superposition approaches are used for the modelling. The predicted results are in good agreement with the available experimental data. As a result, scatters of the fatigue data can be significantly reduced by plotting S-N curve as (S . K-f) vs. N.