Assessment of Numerical Procedures for Residual Stress Analysis of Multipass Welds

Two-dimensional finite element modeling procedures are addressed to predict the residual stresses for multipass welds. A generalized plane strain model with a five-pass weld in a plate and an axisymmetric model with a six-pass girth weld in a pipe are considered. Element rebirth and pass-lumping techniques are employed in both models. The combined heat input using surface and body flux components is applied in simulating arc heat effects. In the generalized plane strain model, the calculated temperature histories and stresses are compared with the measured ones. Residual stress results are compared between non-lumped and lumped models. In the pipe girth-weld model, the calculated residual stresses are compared with the experimental data. The effects of heat input magnitudes and prescribed initial temperature conditions for welds on residual stresses are discussed in this article.