Project Overview

Welding is a key fabrication process in manufacturing. FEA based fatigue life prediction methods for welded structure has remained a challenge for decades. There are a number of empirically-based FEA stress calculation procedures such as hot spot stress (through surface extrapolation) or artificial notch stress methods etc. being proposed over the years. However, none of them can be shown to provide a reliable and consistent estimation of fatigue lives, even for rather simple joint types and loading conditions.

An innovative fatigue design and life evaluation software for welded structures was developed by the project team, providing precise fatigue prediction. Utilizing a Mesh-insensitive structural method and master E-N curve, this software is suitable for all metals and alloys. With a huge welded structure fatigue test database, it allows engineers and researchers to perform comprehensive analysis of low-cycle fatigue, high-cycle fatigue, and multi-axis fatigue of welded structures. It provides an advanced solution for laser welding joints, friction stir welding joints, resistance spot welding joints, which enables better designs for welded structures and technological advancement for welding procedures. The technology has been commercialized through Hantong Technology.