Weld Fatigue Life Improvement

In this section

Back to Core Research Programme AMorph – 4D Printing for Field Morphing Structures Automation of Composite and Hybrid Joining Process Coaxial Wire Additive Manufacturing Processes and In-Line Monitoring Tools Development of Coded Excitation Technique for Non-Metallic Pipes Inspection Development of Digital Twin technology as a demonstrator for real-time integrity assessment of crack growth in tensile specimens Development of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) for Hydrogen Fuel Storage Tanks Development of Leak-Before-Break Hydrogen Storage Composite Pressure Vessels With Polymeric Liner Establishing Assessment Methods for Determining Safe Service Limits of High-Temperature Materials in Extreme Environments Fracture toughness in aggressive environments: effect of crack monitoring techniques on test results In-process detection and non-destructive testing of electron beam weld imperfections Internal Bore Coatings for Applications in Corrosion and Hydrogen Environment Joining of Additively Manufactured Materials Long term behaviour of polymeric liner materials/coatings in hydrogen service Techniques for High Temperature Ultrasonic Inspection of Arc Welding Ultimate Leverage Fund

Project Code: 0903-03

Objectives

Review and develop techniques to significantly increase the fatigue life of welded steel joints.

Project Outline

Investigate new procedures, using advanced MIG/MAG welding processes (for eg Fronius CMT) and novel backing techniques (avoiding the risk of copper pick-up) such as Cu coated with ceramics and coated Aluminium backing- to improve the geometry of the weld underbead.

Review of other existing and potential techniques such as laser shock peening and ultrasonic peening for fatigue improvement.

Develop further a process of post weld friction processing to modify the joint geometry, remove surface micro-defects and produce favourable stress distribution in the surface of the weld and adjacent area.

Carry out confirmatory fatigue tests on specimens representative of the joint, ie girth welds in pipes.

Report covering recommendations for parameter selection and making suggestions regarding appropriate means of deployment and brief economic analysis for post weld friction processing

Relevant Industry Sectors

Oil and gas, Rail, Construction equipment, Road

Technical and Economic Benefits

Significant extension of fatigue life has the potential to improve safety, potential environmental impact and contribute to the viability of deep water oil and gas fields.