Prediction of weld toe magnification factors for semi-elliptical cracks in single T-butt joints

This work concerns the development of a set of equation(s) to obtain more accurate weld toe magnification factors (Mk) for semi-elliptical cracks in single T-butt joints, and then compared to the Mk values generated by the study done by Lee et al. (2000). Finite element analysis was performed using ABAQUS to generate the stress intensity K values and weld toe magnification Mk values then calculated. The parameters such as crack depth (a), aspect ratio (a/c), crack depth ratio (a/T), weld angle (θ) and attachment footprint width ratio (L/T) are varied to be as similar to the experiment done before by Lee et al. (1996) for a better comparison. The ranges of these factors were chosen to be as similar as those found in real structures. Prior analysis of the statistical data proved to have a great improvement in the results compared to that of Lee et al. (2000) Equations are then developed with the Mk data generated from multiple regressions, non-linear analyses though the curve-fitting software, Datafit. Analyses between both existing and new solutions are performed to determine the suitability of the equations which are further discussed in the later part of the study.Bachelor of Engineering (Civil