Analytical assessment of low- and high-cycle fatigue behavior of welded components considering the linear hardening model

Welded components are highly vulnerable to fatigue failures due to stress concentrations and material imperfections. This study develops an analytical framework that predicts both high-cycle (HCF) and low-cycle (LCF) fatigue lives of welded joints using a structural strain parameter. By employing a linear hardening model, the method effectively translates structural stress into structural strain, providing a reliable metric for assessing fatigue life, especially in LCF conditions. Validated against experimental data from 62 longitudinal gusset joints, the approach proves both reliable and practical. This simplified method facilitates easier fatigue assessments, encouraging its wider use and potential standardization in engineering, thus improving the predictability of welded structures' performance.