New Evaluation Methodology for Welded Joints
As part of the project, we developed a new evaluation methodology for predicting the service life of welded joints. The method is reliable, easy to apply, and specifically designed for multi-axial time-varying loads. Particular emphasis was placed on high practical applicability as well as a resource- and cost-efficient design of marine structural systems—without compromising safety.
Test Program and Prediction Quality
Using an extensive test program on welded steel joints under simultaneous bending and torsional loading, along with a database compiled from available literature, we demonstrated an improvement in prediction quality ranging from 24% to 77% compared to conventional methods from standards and regulations.
Artificial Intelligence
At the same time, artificial neural networks were trained based on the experiments and the database, and methods from the field of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) were applied to validate the newly developed assessment concept and enable a deeper understanding of the relationships.
Finite Element Models
The locally acting stresses in the failure-critical weld notch regions were calculated using finite element models.
Publications
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40194-024-01716-6
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40194-025-02080-9
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2025.109458
Final report:
https://doi.org/10.34657/24448
