Inspecting for Fatigue

Author:  J. E. Jones
Source:  May 1983_Welding Journal
Doc ID:  1983052
Year of Publication:  1983
Abstract:  
Proper welding technique, procedure, and consumable selection are quite important to successful repair of heavy equipment. However, if the elusive fatigue crack propagates too far without being observed, then disaster may occur, despite the best efforts of the maintenance engineer, foreman and repair crew. By using appropriate inspection techniques, fatigue cracks can often be detected and repaired before the strength or stability of a piece of heavy equipment is degraded below minimum requirements for service. In addition, errors or oversights in design or manufacturing which produce potential sites for initiation of fatigue cracking can be identified and modified or repaired before fatigue cracking has a chance to get started.