Abstract
Structural reliability of electrical panels installed in naval vessels is of critical importance from structural performance viewpoint. The panels may be exposed to vibration and fatigue loadings from internal and external sources and wave loading which cause fatigue cracking. In this study, common methods such as burr grinding and post weld heat treatment (PWHT), for the fatigue strength improvement of weldments are investigated. Burr grinding is carried out using a electric grinder in order to remove surface defects and improve the weld bead profile. And also PWHT is carried out for the purpose of removing residual. The effectiveness of the two post treatment methods is evaluated in terms of fatigue strength improvement of welded structures.