Investigation on the fatigue crack growth behavior of welded joints in EH690 high-strength marine steel

•The fatigue crack growth behavior of the BM, HAZ and WM materials of EH690 steel welded joint were investigated.•Weld residual stress in EH690 steel joints was predicted, accounting for solid phase transformation effects.•Stress ratio effects on FCGR in welded joints were quantified with the optimized Walker model and precise material constants.•Microscopic fracture features in different zones of EH690 welded joints were observed using SEM. EH690 high-strength steel (HSS) is extensively utilized in marine engineering due to its exceptional strength. The fatigue crack growth (FCG) behaviors of EH690 HSS welded joints in different zones (base metal (BM), heat-affected zone (HAZ), and weld metal (WM)) were investigated by conducting FCG tests with various stress ratios (R). The results demonstrate that the WM and HAZ materials exhibit enhanced resistance to FCG compared to the BM material. The higher stress ratios result in increased fatigue crack growth rates (FCGRs). The welded residual stress (WRS) distribution in the welded joints was predicted considering solid-state phase transformation (SSPT). Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis of the WRS influence on FCG behavior shows that the residual compressive stress enhances the material’s resistance to FCG. Additionally, the effect of R on the FCG behavior of the material was investigated by employing the Walker model, and the applicability of the Walker model was discussed as well. Finally, the FCG mechanisms of the different zones in the welded joint were investigated from a microscopic perspective, further exploring the influence of R on the FCG behavior.