Effect of welding on high strain and low cycle fatigue behavior of hot-rolled H-beam

Low cycle fatigue(LCF)properties of H-beam as hot-rolled and welded are studied, and the cyclic stress-strain relationship and cyclic response characterization are determined. Based on the Coffin-Manson formula, the strain-fatigue life relationship is obtained. Finally, the cyclic toughness, which is the product of strain range at LCF life of 100 cycles and the stress amplitude, are calculated. The test results show that the cyclic toughness as welded H-beam is 62% of that as hot-rolled. Hot-rolled materials exhibit cyclic stability, and welded materials show cyclic softening followed by fracture. The scanning electron microscope(SEM) micrograph of fracture surfaces reveals that the fatigue crack initiates from the coarse grain area of welding joint, and the fine dimple is observed in the fracture surface, which indicates the welding joint remains a good ductility.