Finite Element Analysis of the Stress Intensity Factors of Cracks in Welded Transition Joints

摘要

The stress intensity factors at the tip of an interfacial crack in a transition weld have been calculated as a function of crack depth using finite elements. There is little variation of stress intensity factor in mode II (in-plane shearing) with weld interface angle, but the stress intensity factor in mode I (opening) can be considerably reduced by increasing the interface angle toward a 90 exp 0 butt weld. The magnitudes of the strain energy release rate and stress intensity factors are reduced by using a weld metal with a coefficient of thermal expansion intermediate between the two parent metals. A failure criterion would, however, need to take account of material properties. (ERA citation 06:033327)