Examining the Effectiveness of the Hot Spot Stress Method to Assess Fatigue Stresses inWelded Joints Using Finite ElementsAnalysis

Tensile and bending tests modeling have been undertaken for various welded joints which were different in shape and design. Also, the hot spot stress was calculated at critical failure areas using the finite elements analysis method. There was a good similarity between experimentally defined critical areas in certain certified literature and those in our modeling. It appeared that the information listed in the international institute for welding (IIW) in regards of hot spot stress method gives relatively accurate values for the welded joints possibility to endure fatigue loading and keep their desired mechanical properties even those joints that could fail only at the connecting area with the base metal.