Methodology for Predicting Ductile Instability in Welded Structures

摘要

The objective of this study was to develop a simple methodology for predictingductile crack instability in welded structures. The methodology as developed in this project can take the load versus displacement result from a laboratory specimen test and predict the load versus displacement for a structural component. From this the instability point can be predicted. The ductile methodology developed here was based on the principle of load separation in which two inputs are needed, calibration functions and fracture toughness. The calibration functions can be developed for each structural geometry either numerically by using finite element analysis or empirically by using blunt notched calibration specimens. A number of numerical solutions exist in a G. E. EPRI Handbook. A proper technique for using this Handbook with the methodology was developed in the project.