Recommendations for assessment of welds imperfections in respect to fatigue

Fitness for purpose is a concept of great importance for the welding industry. Deviations may occur between the product imagined by the user and the product manufactured. Fatigue cracks can originate from the weld flaws and may lead to the component premature failure. Fitness for purpose recommendations are made in respect to fatigue, covering planar flaws, internal and geometrical defects. Assessment is made on the basis of S-N curves and/or fracture mechanics