Fri, 07 May, 2021
TWI is launching a new research programme, based on our experience in several projects from multiple industry sectors, which will investigate the fatigue life improvement for existing structures using high-frequency mechanical impact (HFMI) and burr grinding technologies.
Current guidance from the International Institute of Welding and various publications covers both technologies based on new structures, but do not account for existing structures subject to post-weld treatments using HFMI. Improvement of the knowledge base of this fatigue life improvement technique will be of significant benefit to future life extension studies for existing structures in a wide range of structural applications such as highway bridges and offshore applications.
This new programme will focus on burr grinding and HFMI treatments on two types of weld. The aim is to investigate and extend the applicability of existing guidance, based on new welds, for existing welds, whilst reducing the need for costly future individual testing programmes, a comprehensive experimental testing programme is proposed for this Joint Industry Project (JIP).
This JIP has a modest ticket price. Participation in the project will provide participants with an independent assessment of the HFMI benefits applied on structures partway through their fatigue life. Participants will also have an independent assessment of the influence of loading on the relaxation of beneficial compressive residual stress. Improvement of the knowledgebase of this fatigue life improvement technique will be of significant benefit to future life extension studies for existing structures. This research programme will encourage interaction and discussions among sponsors and TWI Industrial Member companies.
TWI wants to help our Industrial Members to make the most of this technology, and so invites them to join the sponsor group for this new JIP on fatigue life improvement for existing structures.
For more information, please email JIP@twi.co.uk.