A New Study on the Fatigue Properties of SA Weld Joints by Considering the Effects of Welded Bead Shape

Abstract

Tandem SAW (Submerged Arc Welding) is one welding process that has been applied to maximize the welding productivity at the panel stage in ship building field. The weld bead profiles produced by Tandem SA welding exceed the acceptance criteria specified in some international regulations, such as AWS D1.1, ISO 5817 and NORSOK M-101. These regulations limit the applicable weld bead profiles, especially weld bead height, regardless of any consideration of design category. The fundamental reason for the limitation of weld bead profiles is related to the weldment fatigue properties. In this regard, we have investigated the effect of weld profiles on fatigue properties. The effect of weld bead profiles on fatigue properties has been experimentally verified and statistically analyzed, and new criteria for weld bead profiles which satisfy E curve as the design S-N curve are proposed for tandem SA welding.