Influence of anisotropy on limit load of weld-strength overmatched cracked plates in pure bending

The concept of limit load has been widely used in structural engineering design and component integrity assessment, including welded joints with cracks. The accuracy of limit load solutions has a significant effect on the accuracy of defect assessment methods. Using a simple example, the widely used bending of weld-strength overmatched cracked plates, it is shown that the influence of anisotropy on the magnitude of limit loads may be considerable. Since many structural components are made of rolled sheets and extruded tubes and the level of anisotropy after such metal forming processes is rather high, this result should be taken into account in the development of defect assessment methods.