Thinness and quality effects on fatigue strength of transverse non-load-carrying welded attachments

The fatigue strength of welded joints is influenced by several parameters, among which the size effect, more specifically the thinness effect, and weld quality are investigated in the current study. To this aim, a number of test series were performed on transverse non-load-carrying attachments with 2 mm and 8 mm plate thicknesses under uniaxial tensile constant amplitude loading. Local weld geometrical parameters, along with angular misalignment between plates, were measured with the aid of a laser scanning device. The results were incorporated into the fatigue assessment and weld quality evaluation of welded specimens. The thinness effect is evident in the fatigue strength results, showing an increase in fatigue life. This effect is particularly pronounced in thin plates, where weld quality and angular misalignment have a substantial impact on fatigue strength.