Effects of a scale factor and residual welding stresses on the rate of fatigue crack propagation

Presented are results of experimental investigations into the regularities of fatigue crack propagation in the low-alloyed structural 15KhSND steel depending on sample width and thickness, as well as the nature of residual stresses in the zones of initial crack-like defects. It is shown that the role of the above factors should be taken into account when making a calculatory estimate of the service life of welded products with respect for the stage of pre-critical crack propagation