Effects of mechanical heterogeneity on plastic zones of welded three-point bend specimens

摘要

In this paper an elastic-plastic finite element method has been utilized to compute the evolution of the plastic zones in welded three-point bend specimens. The investigation includes the effects of the crack depth, strength mismatching, weldwidth and crack location on the plastic-zone evolution at the crack tip. The main results indicate that the strength mismatching and geometry of the welded specimens have evident effects on the evolution of the plastic zones. The crack growth drivingforce curve and material fracture toughness may be affected during three-point bending tests.