Stress cycle
A vibration cycle is a periodic stress variation acting on a component under fatigue loading. It can lead to cracks and wear.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
Cyclic loading comes from periodic stresses acting on a component. These can be mechanical or thermal in origin and cause repeated stress changes in the material.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
Cyclic loading can lead to fatigue failure, causing cracks and wear. It increases susceptibility to hot cracking and cold cracking. If mishandled during welding, the structure can be weakened, reducing toughness and hardness.
Shop Practice & Action Items
To minimize cyclic loading effects during welding, take these steps:
• Use stabilized voltage and controlled heating rates.
• Keep tools and components dry and clean.
• Avoid irregular or heavy loads during welding.
• Constantly monitor temperature and stress in the weld zone.