Random vibration-based virtual fatigue test for large-scale welded structures using frequency-domain structural stress method and its application to traction transformers
ISSN: 0264-4401
Article publication date: 9 June 2023
Issue publication date: 15 June 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present an engineering computational method for fatigue life evaluation of welded structures on large-scale equipment under random vibration load.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a case study of the traction transformers, virtual fatigue test (VFT) was proposed via numerical simulation approach. Static analysis was conducted to identify the risky zone and then dynamic response of the risky welds under random vibration load was calculated based on frequency-domain structural stress method (FDSSM) theory, life distribution and associated survivability at various locations of the structure were obtained. Structural modification was finally performed according to the evaluation results. Moreover, experimental test was carried out and compared with the virtual test result.
Findings
By applying the virtual test, fatigue life of the complex welded structures on large-scale equipment can be accurately and efficiently obtained considering dynamic effect under random vibration load. Meanwhile, risky welds can be directly determined and targeted modification scheme can be accordingly concluded. Validity of the VFT result was proved by comparing with the experimental test.
Originality/value
The proposed method can help obtain equivalent structural stress and fatigue life distribution of the welded structure at any position with various survivability and make quantitative evaluation on the life-extending effect of the structural modification. This method shows significant cost and efficiency advantages over experimental test during design stage of the large-scale structures in numerous manufacturing industries.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the funding from the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province of China (No: 2022JJ50098 and 2021JJ30762), Hunan Provincial Leading Talents Program in Science and Technology Innovations (No: 2021RC4051) and Innovative Province Construction Special Project of Hunan (No: 2020GK2083).
Citation
Tang, Z., Yang, M., Xiao, J., Shen, Z., Tang, L. and Wang, J. (2023), "Random vibration-based virtual fatigue test for large-scale welded structures using frequency-domain structural stress method and its application to traction transformers", Engineering Computations, Vol. 40 No. 4, pp. 836-851. https://doi.org/10.1108/EC-09-2022-0591
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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