Contributor contact details Preface Introduction Introduction Linear elastic fracture mechanics Fatigue Layout Part I: Analysing fracture of welded joints and structures Chapter 1: Constraint-based fracture mechanics in predicting the failure of welded joints Abstract: 1.1 Introduction to constraint-based elastic-plastic fracture mechanics 1.2 Constraint parameters 1.3 Tabulation of Q-solutions 1.4 Development of a failure assessment diagram (FAD) approach to incorporate constraint 1.5 Effect of weld mismatch on crack tip constraint 1.6 Full field (local approach) analysis for fracture assessment 1.7 Conclusion Chapter 2: Constraint fracture mechanics: test methods Abstract: 2.1 Introduction 2.2 High strains 2.3 Two-parameter fracture mechanics 2.4 Development of the single edge notch tension (SENT) test 2.5 Standardising the single edge notch tension (SENT) test 2.6 Conclusions 2.8 Appendix: Codes and standards 2.9 Nomenclature Chapter 3: Fracture assessment methods for welded structures Abstract: 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Development of engineering critical assessment (ECA) methods 3.3 The failure assessment diagram (FAD) concept 3.4 Specific engineering critical assessment (ECA) methods: R6 3.5 Specific engineering critical assessment (ECA) methods: BS 7910/PD6493 3.6 Specific engineering critical assessment (ECA) methods: Structural Integrity Procedures for European Industry (SINTAP)/European Fitness- for-service Network (FITNET) 3.7 Specific engineering critical assessment (ECA) methods: American Petroleum Institute (API)/ American Society for Mechanical Enginners (ASME) 3.8 Future trends Chapter 4: The use of fracture mechanics in the fatigue analysis of welded joints Abstract: 4.1 Introduction to fracture mechanics 4.2 Technical application of fracture mechanics 4.3 Fatigue assessment of welded joints using fracture mechanics 4.4 Examples of practical application 4.5 Conclusions Part II: Analysing fatigue of welded joints and structures Chapter 5: Fatigue strength assessment of local stresses in welded joints Abstract: 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Types of stress 5.3 Factors affecting the fatigue strength 5.4 Fatigue strength assessment 5.5 Conclusions Chapter 6: Improving weld class systems in assessing the fatigue life of different welded joint designs Abstract: 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Historic view 6.3 Weld class system ISO 5817 6.4 Weld class systems at Volvo 6.5 A consistent and objective weld class system 6.6 Discussion 6.7 Conclusions 6.8 Future trends 6.9 Sources of further information and advice Chapter 7: Fatigue design rules for welded structures Abstract: 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Key features of welded joints influencing fatigue 7.3 Fatigue crack propagation 7.4 Design rules 7.5 Future developments in the application of fatigue rules 7.6 Conclusions 7.8 Appendix: fatigue design codes and standards Chapter 8: Fatigue assessment methods for variable amplitude loading of welded structures Abstract: 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Fatigue damage and assessment for variable amplitude loading 8.3 Variable amplitude fatigue testing 8.4 Future trends 8.5 Source of further information and advice Chapter 9: Reliability aspects in fatigue design of welded structures using selected local approaches: the example of K-nodes for offshore constructions Abstract: 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Selected decisive design parameters 9.3 Selected design concepts by the example of K-nodes 9.4 Conclusions Chapter 10: Assessing residual stresses in predicting the service life of welded structures Abstract: 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Origins and types of stress 10.3 Modification of stresses after welding 10.4 Measurement 10.5 Conclusions 10.6 Acknowledgements Chapter 11: Fatigue strength improvement methods Abstract: 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Fatigue strength of welded joints 11.3 Increasing the fatigue strength by improved design 11.4 Improvements obtained by special plate material, filler materials or welding methods 11.5 Special welding methods 11.6 Post‐weld improvement methods 11.7 Future trends 11.8 Conclusions Index

Analyses the processes and causes of fracture and fatigue, focusing predicting and minimising the failure of welded joints in the design process Assesses the fracture of welded joints and structure featuring constraint-based fracture mechanics for predicting joint failure Explores specific considerations in fatigue analysis including the assessment of local stresses in welded joints and fatigue design rules for welded structures