Numerical methods for calculating the structural reliability of fatigue-loaded welds

In this work, with the aid of the implicit gradient method, the fatigue behaviour of different types of arc-welded joints was analysed. The structural parts, made of steel, were modelled as three-dimensional solids without applying any geometric exemplification, directly calculating the fatigue life numerically. The advantage offered by this approach is that of being able to maintain the unvaried calculation procedure regardless of the type of joint in question. Moreover, adopting the gradient method, there is no obligation to impose particular rules for the creation of the calculation mesh on the finished elements