Assessment of Geometry Correction Functions of Tanker Knuckle Details Based on Fatigue Tests and Finite Element Analysis

The paper analyses the fatigue crack growth of knuckle detail typical of tankers. An approach for evaluation of the fatigue life based on fracture mechanics is presented, where a Paris-Erdogan crack-growth law is applied. A geometry correction function is determined from fatigue test data. A closed-form equation is proposed for fatigue life estimation. The results obtained from a fatigue test and the calculated fatigue lives are compared.Copyright © 2002 by ASME