Performance analysis of substitution of applied materials using fracture mechanics parameters

摘要

By replacing the S355 conventional structural steel with V/Nb base micro-alloy steel it is possible to achieve a considerable reduction in the structure mass itself without safety risk, which is also proved by testing fracture mechanics properties of the materials. The numerical results have been also confirmed by analyzing the reliability of the selected materials, with special reference to safety from fracture hazard in the steel welded joints under consideration. Presented in the paper are the results of the numerical evaluation of the bridge crane steel structure under static and dynamic conditions for two steel grades and dimensions. This testing methodology can be applied to any kind of mechanical structure. It can also stress the importance of fracture mechanics application to the evaluation of the condition and behaviour of significant mechanical structures. The immediate effect of this investigation is the saving in the mass of the material used, together with a considerable fracture risk reduction, as well as an improvement in the working properties of the bridge crane steel structure.