Approximate stress intensity factors and notch stresses for common spot-welded specimens

Stress intensity factors and notch stresses are approximated analytically for common spot-welded specimens. The stress intensity factors and notch stresses at spot welds in the specimens are directly related via a number of formulas to the applied loads and the weld and specimen geometries. Comparisons with some available finite element results from the literature show that the analytical approximations are acceptable for engineering applications. The formulas are, nevertheless, of limited value because they are still not systematically validated by finite element results with systematic variations of the weld and specimen geometries. As an example of application, the formulas are employed to correlate some fatigue test data gathered from different weld geometries and different specimen configurations with the scatter-band of the data being substantially reduced.