Welded joints: Limits on criteria for plasticity zones located at weld toes

Summary

An approximate analytical method of estimating plastic zone size in the neighbourhood of welded joint toes is presented in this article.

Plastic zone dimensions are analysed in steel cruciform and lap joints, for which theoretical calculations and numerical results are compared. The expressions reported here enable some practical limits to be established on the criteria based on linear elastic Notch Stress Intensity Factors.

These limits are given both in terms of nominal stress range and number of cycles to failure.