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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/G038880/1
Title: Modelling the Fatigue and Creep of Weldments
Principal Investigator: Chen, Dr H
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Organisation: University of Strathclyde
Scheme: First Grant Scheme
Starts: 01 September 2009 Ends: 31 December 2012 Value (£): 307,257
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Eng. Dynamics & Tribology Materials testing & eng.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Aerospace, Defence and Marine Energy
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
03 Feb 2009 Engineering Science (Components) Panel Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
Life prediction of welded components that are subjected to creep-fatigue loading associated with the start up and shut down of power plant is a critical design issue, from the economical, environmental and safety viewpoints. However design and life assessment of welded steel structures that operate at high temperatures is particularly difficult and problematic. The current UK design and assessment approaches for weldments are still empirical and therefore tend to be rather conservative. This project focuses on the development of a new understanding of the complex fatigue and creep behaviour of weldments subjected to cyclic temperature and mechanical loads, and the formulation of novel simulation and modeling methods. Preliminary research by the applicant shows that the current Linear Matching Method (LMM) framework can assess welded components with significantly greater accuracy while still using the same fundamental assumptions and materials database as typical UK codes. This project will strengthen the LMM framework to include novel simulation techniques which capture the effects of weldments on the integrity of component with fatigue and creep-fatigue mechanisms.For the first time, this unique next-generation numerical technique and associated semi-analytic models will be developed to comprehensively investigate the fatigue and creep behaviour of high temperature weldments for a wide range of factors (e.g. different weldment type, material and geometric effects, temperature and load range), providing a degree of accuracy of prediction hitherto unavailable and without the restrictions inherent in other methodologies. The research outputs will significantly advance the internationally-leading role of the UK in the assessment of industrial and commercial welded structures, and underpin moves to high temperature structures required for emissions reduction targets.This project will also provide interdisciplinary training opportunities for both a postdoctoral researcher and a PhD student in material modeling, applied mechanics, FEA, integrity assessment, and software engineering.
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Organisation Website: http://www.strath.ac.uk