Abstract
A damage criterion is proposed to govern the macrocrack initiation for welded structures. Non-linear FE analyses on welded T-joints are performed by using ABAQUS. Numerical results show that the damage criterion gives good prediction for the macrocrack initiation in welded T-joints. Fracture toughness tests on SS400 are carried out to obtain Jic in terms of the JSME Standard. According to the modified CEGB assessment procedure, the ultimate Collapse load and the crack driving force of cracked T-joints are investigated by FE analyses. Cracked T-joints are tested under the combined loads of tension and bending. Numerical and experimental results are compared with the criterion curve. The results indicate that the modified CEGB approach is suitable for the safety assessment of defected welded T-joints.
