Computer-Aided Structural Engineering (CASE Project). Finite Element Modeling of Welded Thick Plates for Bonneville Navigation Lock

Abstract : The primary objective for this research was to investigate what influence welding parameters and joint geometry have on the magnitude and distribution of residual stress on thick-section butt joints. Failure initiating at the web flange intersection of weld access holes has previously occurred on thick-section steel-rolled shapes. Contributing factors to failure include high tensile residual stress from welding, low base metal toughness, and high stress concentration from the weld access hole geometry. A thermal mechanical finite element model was developed to predict temperature and stress history in the steel-rolled shapes studied. Comparisons were made between the numerical model and experimental results. Several joint geometries and weld sequences were considered. The finite element model developed by this research can be used to evaluate the influence of welding parameters and joint geometry on welding- induced residual stresses.