Prevention of crack propagation in welded metal structures - by using stack of metal plates with slots aligned transversely w.r.t. direction of crack propagation

摘要

A structure made by welding metal plates together is provided with an insert consisting of a stack of metal sheets or plates. At least one sheet or plate in the stack is provided with a groove or slot aligned at an angle w.r.t. the direction of crack propagation in the structure. The slot is pref. provided in at least two sheets or plates in the insert; and welds are pref. provided on each side of the slots to ensure that no leakage occurs through the slots. The invention can be used esp. in pipelines. Used e.g. in the hulls of ships; or in pressure vessels or gas pipes subjected to high operating pressures.