Analysis of the Relaxation Process of Welding Residual Stresses Using a Combined and Nonlinear Hardening Model

Abstract

This article applies a combination of hardening models to analyze the relaxation process of residual stresses. The obtained results can be used to estimate the final stress state in welded structures after the load application. This work begins by modeling the evolution of residual stresses produced by the thermal cycle during welding process. Subsequently, this stresses obtained by finite element calculations will be subjected to a mechanical relaxation process. In order to ensure the accuracy of the relaxation model, the plastic behavior of the material has been integrated by modeling two non-linear hardening models, which are combined and applied in the same relaxation process. The results have made it possible to visualize the final state of the residual stress field after relaxations. Then these results are analyzed in order to assess the impact of plasticity on the relaxation process.