The use of the JV parameter for fatigue life prediction in complex welded joints

In this paper, the J-integral applied to a sharp V-notch (namely JV) is adopted as a simplified parameter to analyse welded joints made of steel under multiaxial loading. The JV is calculated at the weld toe by integrating the strain energy density on the free surface along two segments perpendicular to the weld. The position of the maximum JV is numerically evaluated along the weld profile by means of the FE code. Finally, the fatigue strength of a stiffener end connection-made of higher-tensile ship structural steel AH36, taken from the literature-is subjected to three-point bending and is analysed by means of the JV.