Fatigue strength analysis of welded joints in closed steel sections in rail vehicles

A great need exists for practicability and reliability analyses of the various dimensioning concepts in railway vehicle production, as currently parts are commonly sized according to the nominal stress concept. Although Finite Element Analysis is used for the dimensioning of parts according to the nominal stress concept, no use is made of the locally resolved information from these calculation methods. Concepts based on local stress are highly applicable, as the Finite Element Analysis allows detailed modelling of critical areas of parts.

► Welded joints of railway bogies were investigated by fatigue tests and calculations. ► Finite element calculations were evaluated by nominal and notch stress method. ► The comparison of test and calculation results shows a good accord. ► Results confirm the adaptability of notch stress method for welded railway structure.