Implicit gradient approach for numerical analysis of laser welded joints

This paper analyzes the fatigue strength of laser welded steel joints by applying the implied gradient method. This method is adopted using the same procedure proposed for studying arc welded joints. The fatigue scatter band of laser joints, obtained from numerical analysis of experimental data taken from the literature, is different from the relative curve of arc welded joints. However, at high cycles fatigue the two bands maintain exactly the same average values and the same scatter. The fatigue strength of lap joints with different weld patterns confirms the use of the proposed generalized fatigue scatter band for laser joints.