Applicability of Finite Element Method for Prediction of Stress Concentration on Welded Joints with Defects

Abstract

Uncertainty in manufacturing process, methodologies and environmental factors will lead to occurrence of flaws in the welded structures. Certain critical weld defects like lack of fusion, slag inclusion and cold cracks embedded during welding will impact the structural life of the structures. Planar defects have to be considered seriously than volumetric defects. An attempt is made to study the effect of weld defects on the structural integrity of components. The experimentation was conducted on the butt joint specimen and it is on par with numerical results. The present work involves the applicability of the finite element method to predict the stress on welding joints with defects using a finite element software and compare results with weldments with zero defects.The defects are simulated experimentally and similar defects are measured using radiography and the same in modelled numerically to predict the stress induced in specimens.