Program Overview

SD2420 Advanced Design of Welded Structures

Course Description

This course discusses different advanced methods for fatigue design of welded structures, including nominal stress method, hot spot (geometric/structural) stress method, effective notch stress method, and applied linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). The influence of various factors on fatigue life and breakdown is examined, such as stress concentrations, weld defects, welding residual stresses, and multiaxial stress states.

Course Contents

The course covers:

• Advanced methods for fatigue design of welded structures
• Influence of factors on fatigue life and breakdown
• Post-weld improvement techniques to increase weld quality and fatigue strength
• Weld class systems to assure weld quality in design and production
• Design codes, guidelines, and recommendations for welded joints
• Evaluation and fatigue design of welded structures using FEM

Intended Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, students should be able to:

1. Choose a method for fatigue life assessment with reasonable accuracy for different types of welded joints and structures.
2. Understand the effects of welding residual stress on structural integrity.
3. Understand the influence of different types of weld defects and discontinuities on fatigue strength.
4. Choose an appropriate analysis method and perform fatigue life assessment of complex welded structures.
5. Choose relevant post-weld improvement techniques for different welded applications.
6. Use weld quality systems.

Literature and Preparations

Specific Prerequisites

• FEM
• Linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM)
• Basic knowledge in solid mechanics, material mechanics, and fatigue
• English B / English 6

Literature

Information about course literature can be found in the course memo or in the course room in Canvas.

Examination and Completion

Grading Scale

P, F

Examination

• BER2 - Assignment 2, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• BER1 - Assignment 1, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• LAB1 - Labs and assignments, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Other Requirements for Final Grade

• LAB1 - 3 computer labs/exercises on fatigue design and FEM, examined by handing in a lab report.
• BER1 - 1 extensive home assignment on fatigue design of a welded structure, examined by handing in a report.
• BER2 - 1 extensive home assignment and case study on fatigue design of a welded structure, examined by handing in a report.

Examiner

Zuheir Barsoum

Ethical Approach

• All group members are responsible for the group's work.
• Every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used in assessments.
• In oral assessments, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further Information

Course Room in Canvas

Registered students can find further information about the course implementation in the course room in Canvas.

Offered By

SCI/Aeronautical and Vehicle Engineering

Education Cycle

Second cycle

Information per Course Offering

Choose semester and course offering to see current information, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.

Information for Autumn 2026 Start

• Course location: KTH Campus
• Duration: 24 Aug 2026 - 23 Oct 2026
• Periods: Autumn 2026: P1 (6 hp)
• Pace of study: 50%
• Application code: 11267
• Form of study: Normal Daytime
• Language of instruction: English
• Target group: Open for all Master of Science in Engineering in 3rd year, all Master programmes as long as it can be included in the programme.
• Part of programme: Master's Programme, Naval Architecture, year 1