Fatigue life estimation of fillet-welded tubular T-joints subjected to multiaxial loading

This study investigates the applicability of a stress-based approach to multiaxial fatigue strength assessment of fillet-welded tubular T-joints, used in the so-called “H” component of an agricultural sprayer. Experimental strain measurements on such a structural component under sprayer service conditions have been performed. A finite element analysis of the component is herein developed under linear elastic hypothesis. Finally, a stress-based critical plane criterion is applied to several material points located in the proximity of the intersection between the end of a brace and a chord of one above-mentioned T-joint, where crack nucleation is experimentally observed.