Experimental evaluation of fatigue strength for small diameter socket welded joints under vibration loading condition

Abstract To investigate how the fabrication and repair of socket welded joints could be used to enhance fatigue resistance under vibration condition, experimental test data of installation conditions that potentially influence fatigue strength were analyzed with the S–N curve. It was found that the decreasing fatigue strength of stainless steel socket welded joints was attributed to the effect of high heat input of welding process. The effect of welding method, slip-on gap and radial-gap conditions on fatigue strength was insignificant. The test data of repair technique application, 2 × 1 leg length and of socket weld overlay, clearly showed higher fatigue strength but there was a limitation for higher stress region because of the weld toe crack.