Weld toe magnification factors for semi-elliptical cracks in T–butt joints — comparison with existing solutions

A set of comprehensive estimation equations for the weld toe magnification factor (Mk) for semi-elliptical cracks in T–butt geometries was developed and reported in a companion paper. Here the solutions obtained from these equations are compared with existing Mk and stress intensity factor solutions for cracks in plain plates, T–butts and tubular joints to demonstrate their applicability to practical situations. These comparisons show that the new solutions, in general, agree well with the existing solutions; where the agreement is poor, deficiencies in the existing solutions are identified. The Mk estimation equations proposed in this work have been included in the new British Standard BS7910.