Hot Spot Stress S-N Curve for Fatigue Analysis of Plated Structures

Abstract

Finite element analysis is being used by designers for fatigue assessment of structures. It is therefore important that a proper link between calculated hot spot stress and fatigue capacity is established. The fatigue capacity is expressed as a hot spot stress S-N curve. This paper presents a derivation of a hot spot stress S-N curve to be used when the hot spot stress is derived from finite element analysis of plated structures. The hot spot S-N curve is linked to the methodology used for finite element analysis of plated structures that is being included in design recommendations for fatigue assessment of welded structures.