Loading-carrying welds joints analysis using boundary element method

The behavior of loading-carrying welds joints has been studied extensively using boundary element method. The symmetric boundary element method for multiple cracks problem is derived using Betti's reciprocal theorem. The analysis can be performed effectively in single domain. High order element is proposed to solve the double integrals. The stress intensity factors are calculated for weld root and weld toe and the critical value for class F2 and W are obtained. Formulation for the critical value is obtained for the engineering design. The results are compared with those obtained by dual boundary element method and derived from the code of practice. Finally, the theoretical fatigue life of such joints is estimated. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.