Leg of Weld Formula:
Definition: The leg of weld is the distance from the joint root to the toe of the weld, which determines the size of the fillet weld.
Purpose: This calculation helps engineers determine the appropriate weld size to withstand applied loads while considering shear stress and weld angle.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for both the sine and cosine components of the load relative to the weld angle, divided by the weld length and allowable shear stress.
Details: Proper weld sizing ensures structural integrity, prevents weld failure, and meets design specifications while optimizing material usage.
Tips: Enter the load in Newtons, weld angle in degrees, weld length in meters, shear stress in Pascals, and optional tolerance percentage (default ±5%).
Q1: What is a typical shear stress value for welds?
A: Common values range from 70-140 MPa for structural steel welds, but always consult material specifications.
Q2: How does weld angle affect the leg size?
A: The angle changes the load distribution - 45° is most common as it balances sine and cosine components.
Q3: Why include a tolerance percentage?
A: Welding has inherent variability; tolerance accounts for practical manufacturing variations.
Q4: What's the minimum practical weld leg size?
A: Typically 3-5mm for manual welding, but depends on material thickness and welding process.
Q5: How do I convert the result to millimeters?
A: Multiply the meter result by 1000 (1m = 1000mm) for millimeter measurements.