This laboratory is used for high cycle fatigue testing under constant and variable amplitude loading, with a particular focus on fatigue testing of welds and welded components. Fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) testing of parent metal, weld metal and the heat affected zone (HAZ) can be carried out. Both FCGR and endurance tests can be performed in air or in a seawater environment. The laboratory also handles tailor-made full-scale testing solutions.
The tests carried out here generate S-N data, validate the fatigue performance of welded joints, measure fatigue crack growth rates (FCGR) for use in engineering critical assessment (ECA) and provide designers and engineers with assurance of fatigue integrity. TWI is uniquely placed to offer a wide range of laboratory services, along with expertise, research and standards involvement to best provide technical advice and interpretation alongside the data.
TWI’s fatigue endurance testing capabilities features:
- Servo-hydraulic test machines with capacities from 2kN to 2,500kN (3,000kN static)
- Reduced or elevated temperature capabilities
- Tests on sections of welds, welded attachments, threaded fasteners
- Specimen thicknesses up to 100mm
- Constant or variable amplitude loading
- Testing in air or seawater environments
- Post-test inspection of fracture faces
- Detailed analysis and interpretation of results
Fatigue Testing Equipment Factsheet
2500kN servo-hydraulic fatigue test machine
See here for a full list of TWI equipment.
TWI’s FCGR testing capabilities:
- UKAS accredited for FCGR testing to BS ISO 12108
- Tests on SENB specimens, notched in parent material, weld or HAZ
- Air or aggressive environments (seawater, aqueous solutions containing CO2 and H2S etc.)
- Produce upper-bound Paris law constants to provide data for ECA, remaining life assessments and environmental acceleration factors
- Detailed analysis and interpretation of results
Fatigue tests on welds in full scale pipes are conducted in our dedicated resonance fatigue testing laboratory:
Resonance Fatigue Testing Laboratory
Our bespoke fatigue testing capabilities provide a range of options to support research work or unusual testing requirements. We have the expertise and experience to design tailor-made test jigs, fixtures and machines to suit. Examples of these solutions include:
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