Finite Element Prediction of Residual Stress Distributions in a Multipass Welded Piping Branch Junction
Abstract
Piping branch junctions and nozzle attachments to main pressure vessels are common engineering components used in the power, oil and gas, and shipbuilding industries amongst others. These components are usually fabricated by multipass welding. The latter process is known to induce residual stresses at the fabrication stage, which can have severe adverse effects on the in-service behavior of such critical components. It is thus desirable if the distributions of residual stresses can be predicted well in advance of welding execution. This paper presents a comprehensive study of three dimensional residual stress distributions in a stainless steel tee branch junction during a multipass welding process. A full three dimensional thermomechanical finite element model has been developed for this purpose. A newly developed meshing technique has been used to model the complex intersection areas of the welded junction with all hexahedral elements. Element removal/reactivate technique has been employed to simulate the deposition of filler material. Material, geometry, and boundary nonlinearities associated with welding were all taken into account. The analysis results are presented in the form of stress distributions circumferentially along the weld line on both run and branch pipes as well as at the run and branch cross sections. In general, this computational model is capable of predicting three dimensional through-thickness welding residual stress, which can be valuable for structural integrity assessments of complex welded geometries. (ASME)Citation
Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology, 129(4): 601-608Journal
Journal of Pressure Vessel TechnologyAdditional Links
http://scitation.aip.org/getabs/servlet/GetabsServlet?prog=normal&id=JPVTAS000129000004000601000001&idtype=cvips&gifs=yesType
Journal articleLanguage
enDescription
The research presented extends that on stress and temperature distributions in welded oil/gas steel pipe junctions, research that has resulted in Yahiaoui being invited to present to: Ecole de Technologie Supérieure, University of Québec, Montreal, August 2006, and The Structural Technology and Materials Group of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers October 2006.ISSN
00949930ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1115/1.2767343