Fricke, WolfgangWolfgangFricke2018-03-022018-03-022014-09Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science 7 (229): 1224-1239 (2014)http://tubdok.tub.tuhh.de/handle/11420/1563Fatigue is an important design criterion for welded structures subjected to cyclic loading. Several approaches for fatigue strength assessment have been developed which are either based onWoehler S–N curves and damage accumulation rule or on crack propagation law. The paper briefly reviews the different approaches, highlighting their advantages and limitations. In this connection, the problematic distinction between crack initiation and propagation phases is discussed, followed by considerations about some parameters which have large influence on the fatigue behaviour of welded joints but are considered differently in the approaches, such as plate thickness and stress gradient effects, multiaxial stress states, welding-induced distortions and residual stresses. Finally, ways of improving the fatigue behaviour of welded structures, either during design by reducing the stress concentration or during fabrication by improved quality or postweld treatment or else by special material characteristics, are addressed. Emphasis will be placed on recent developments and challenges for the future from a personal perspective of the author.en0954-40622014712241239http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/Fatiguethin structureswelding technologyfinite element analysisfracture mechanicshigh cycle fatiguenumerical analysisIngenieurwissenschaftenJournal Articleurn:nbn:de:gbv:830-8821962210.15480/882.156011420/156310.1177/095440621455001510.15480/882.1560Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich. This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively.Journal Article