Experimental investigation on residual stress distribution in an engineering-scale pipe girth weld

Abstract

The hoop and axial residual stress maps in an engineering-scale narrow-gap austenitic stainless pipe girth weld were obtained with the two-cut contour method and the stress distribution characteristics are discussed. Results show that the through-thickness hoop stress at the weld centreline demonstrates a bending-type distribution; the cap beads and the root weld have great effects on the axial stress distribution pattern at the weld centreline; the weld start/end cause stress fluctuation in the cap weld; the locations of peak hoop stress and axial stress do not change significantly within a large range of R/t and heat inputs for stainless girth welds.