Title: On the application of weld strength factors on welded components

Authors: Mathias Bauer, Andreas Klenk, Karl Maile, Eberhard Roos

Addresses: MPA University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 32, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany. ' MPA University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 32, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany. ' MPA University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 32, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany. ' MPA University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 32, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany

Abstract: One way of describing the material behaviour of welded components is the implementation of weld strength factors in the design process or life assessments. In general, this factor neither takes the influence of the complex, multiaxial stress situation in large components into account, nor relaxation or constraint effects. In the research presented here, numerical finite element simulations using inelastic constitutive equations – offering the possibility to characterise the influence of the stress distribution and degree of multiaxiality in the weld region – are used to obtain a more detailed interpretation of reduced weld strength. Different weld geometries are investigated by finite element analysis with regard to evaluate the influence of the weld on the overall component behaviour. The results show, that the transferability of small scale material properties and in particular the weld strength factor to thick walled parts based on analytical methods is difficult and may not be an appropriate tool for the design of welded components.

Keywords: weld strength factors; WSF; inelastic constitutive equations; FEA; finite element analysis; simulation; multiaxiality; multiaxial stress; martensitic steels; creep resistant steel; welded components; thick walled parts.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMP.2011.040437

International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2011 Vol.6 No.1/2, pp.54 - 71

Published online: 27 May 2011 *

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