Fatigue resistance of titanium laser and hybrid welded joints

This paper presents a detailed study on fatigue strength of welded joints made of two titanium alloys, grade 2 and grade 5, and welded by laser or hybrid process. Fatigue strength curves obtained for each alloy and each welding technique are compared in terms of safety factors with fatigue design curves of welded joints provided by standards. Material and welding process effects on fatigue strength are discussed; the influence of the weld seam geometry is assessed by evaluating the fatigue strength reduction factor. This parameter is computed by using the Volumetric Method of the Notch Fracture Mechanics and defined as the ratio of the effective stress and the gross stress. Effective stress is defined on the weld toe stress distribution by the minimum of relative stress gradient method. Distribution of opening stress at weld toe is analysed also with the finite element analysis. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.