Fatigue Strength of Fillet Welded Cruciform Joints

Abstract

A method for determining the fatigue strength of fillet welded cruciform joints is presented. The inadequacy of the present fatigue specification is examined through comparison with experimental data. The significance of the lack of penetration occurring at the weld root upon experimental fatigue is presented. A fracture mechanics model of the fatigue behavior is developed and correlated with experimental results. Design equations based on the model and a design example are presented.