Effect of the parameters of weld toe geometry on the FAT class as obtained by means of fracture mechanics-based simulations

The fracture mechanics-based IBESS approach is applied to the determination of FAT classes of butt welds with crack initiation along the weld toe. The aim is an investigation of the effect of the geometrical parameters toe radius, flank angle, reinforcement and secondary notches such as roughness or undercuts. The influence of these parameters is discussed both individually and in combination; however, excluding statistical distributions of them and the material data. The results, when compared with conventional FAT classes for butt welds, are encouraging with respect to a potential contribution of IBESS to the discussion of more advanced quality criteria for welds. To that purpose, demands for further research are proposed.