TWI Industrial Member Report Summary 232/1984
By S Elliott and J G Wylde
Background
Fatigue tests have been carried out under pulsating axial tension on transverse electron beam (EB) butt welded joints in 12.5mm thick material to BS 4360 Grade 50D. Results obtained from sound welds with proud top and bottom beads confirmed that these types of welded joints could be included in Class D in the existing fatigue design rules. Investigation of welds with 'defective' profiles, e.g. back grooves, and incomplete penetration, showed the fatigue life of EB welds to be sensitive to the quality of back bead profile.