Validation of notch stress estimation schemes for different constraints, strain gradients and loading conditions on low C-Mn steel

The present study is aimed at validation of notch stress/ strain estimation schemes such as classical Neuber, Hoffmann-Seeger and recently developed Ince-Glinka method for Nuclear piping material (low C-Mn steel). The study has considered different constraints, loading conditions, various hole sizes to accommodate strain gradient variations and equivalent peak strains. The notch stress field evaluated using these schemes is compared with corresponding stress using elastic-plastic Finite Element (FE) analyses. The comparisons have brought out that the Hoffmann-Seeger scheme results in reasonably accurate assessment of stress localization nearly for all constraint geometries, loadings and strain gradients. However, the classical Neuber scheme is more suitable for low constraint geometries and intermediate constraint geometries whereas it results in under-estimation of maximum principal stress for high constraint geometries, thereby leading to over-prediction of fatigue life. Further, the suitability of energy equivalence equations of Ince-Glinka model for individual stress components, has been reviewed.

Application of high frequency mechanical impact treatment to improve the fatigue strength of corroding welded joints

This study deals with the fatigue strength of high-frequency mechanical impact (HFMI)-treated unprotected structural details made of mild steel S355 considering the influence of corrosive environmental conditions. The investigations are carried out on butt welded specimens with sheet thickness t = 15 mm and on transverse non-load-carrying attachment specimens with sheet thickness t = 25 mm. Two different methods were applied for the simulation of marine corrosive environment in the laboratory. Specimens first were deposited in a salt spray chamber and then tested subsequently dry at laboratory-air conditions considering the influence of corrosion on the crack initiation. Alternatively, and to cover the effects of corrosion on the crack growth, artificial seawater was used for pre-corrosion, and after a defined timespan, fatigue tests were performed simultaneously with the specimen resting in the corrosive medium. The corrosion fatigue tests were performed in as-welded and HFMI-treated conditions at a stress ratio R = 0.1 under axial tensile and 4-point bending cyclic loading. The test results are evaluated to determine the characteristic fatigue strengths for fixed slopes m = 3 and m = 5 according to IIW recommendations for the as-welded and for the HFMI-treated condition respectively. The results of the experimental investigations based on the nominal stress approach show that the fatigue strength of both specimen types could be significantly increased by the application of HFMI treatment compared to the corresponding specimens in the as-welded condition even if exposed to the investigated corrosive conditions. The comparison with the design proposals of IIW shows that for HFMI-treated butt welds, no reduction of the FAT class due to corrosion is required and the recommended FAT class is still valid. The results for the HFMI-treated transverse attachments are slightly below the design curve recommended by IIW and a proposal to consider corrosion is derived for this case. Additional numerical investigations by applying the effective notch stress (ENS) approach are performed to determine notch stress curves. It was found that for the corroded specimens in the as-welded condition, the FAT class according to IIW could not be reached and adjustments of the existing rules are necessary to consider corrosion effects. However, it can be concluded that the effective notch fatigue resistance recommended by IIW is still applicable in the case of corroded HFMI-treated structural details.