Fracture analysis of resistance welded L-shaped and straight sheets

The behaviour of resistance welded straight and L-shaped sheets under the tension force is investigated by using the finite element method. The fracture behaviour of the joined structure is considered under the assumption of a crack at the interface of welded sheets. For the analysis, the plates of various thicknesses, different bent-curvatures of L shaped sheet and several weld nugget sizes are taken as the variables. The behaviour of crack propagation is analysed under linear elastic fracture mechanics conditions. An attempt for the evaluation of fatigue life of the structure is also made.