Microstructure-based Continuum Damage Modelling of Fatigue in High-performance Welds

The project aims to develop a theoretical basis for fatigue strength modelling of high-performance welded joints that utilise plates thinner than 5 mm. For the welded thin joints, the geometrical shapes and material properties of the joint differ from those of conventional thick steel joints. These differences lead to different fatigue strength compared to what is commonly achieved in welded joints. However, the influence of both material and geometrical properties on fatigue strength is unknown. The objective of the project is to establish a novel fatigue damage model suitable for high-performance welded joints with the help of unique experimental and numerical investigations in grain-scale of material.