Simulation of crack growth in T-welded joints: residual stress field effect

In this article, a three-dimensional finite element model is used to predict the growth of cracks at the weld toe of a T-joint. The model is developed using the MSC Marc software. Fatigue life is estimated by integrating the Paris-Erdogan law and the stress intensity factors are obtained by the virtual crack closure technique. The influence of residual stresses generated by plastic deformation at the weld toe on the crack propagation speed is analyzed. The existence of residual compression stress fields causes a delay in crack growth. The obtained results are compared with the integration solutions of the Paris-Erdogan law using the stress intensity factor computed through the Mk factor proposed by Bowness and Lee, included in BS 7910 standard.