Fatigue damage criteria classification, modelling developments and trends for welded joints in marine structures

Fatigue is typically a governing limit state for marine structures. Welded joints are the weakest links in that respect. Physics involve several resistance dimensions, a range of scales and distinct contributions in different stages of the accumulative damage process. Fatigue damage criteria developed over time have been classified with respect to type of information, geometry, parameter and process zone including plane and life region annotations. The criteria are evaluated regarding model (in)capabilities, showing up to what extent (governing) physics are taken into account. Modelling developments and trends towards complete strength, multi-scale and total life criteria have been identified. Incorporating all four (interacting) fatigue resistance dimensions: material, geometry, loading & response and environment translates into a complete strength fatigue damage criterion. Considering macro-, meso- and micro-scale information provides a multi-scale fatigue damage criterion. Correlation of crack initiation and growth requires matching intact and cracked geometry parameters, revealing a total life fatigue damage criterion.HIGHLIGHTS• Classification of fatigue damage criteria with respect to type of information, geometry, parameter and process zone including plane and life region annotations.• Identification of modelling developments and trends towards complete strength, multi-scale and total life fatigue damage criteria for welded joints in marine structures.ABBREVIATIONS: CA: constant amplitude; FE: finite element; FSS: full-scale structure; HCF: high cycle fatigue, life time range N = O(5·106 … 109) cycles; (N)LC: (non-)load carrying; LCF: low cycle fatigue, life time range N = O(101 … 104) cycles; LSS: large-scale specimen; MCF: medium cycle fatigue, life time range N = O(104 … 5·106) cycles; mSC: micro- and meso-scopic stress concentration; MSC: macro-scopic stress concentration; (N)