Estimation of residual stresses in weldments using a nine-noded degenerated shell element

Residual stresses due to welding have been estimated using a nine-noded deg enerated shell element with assumed strains. It is well known that shell el ements are capable of handling three-dimensional (3-D) configurations with less computational effort when compared to the full 3-D analysis. The tempe rature field in the entire weld domain has been calculated using a 3-D bric k element. The temperature variation so obtained is utilised to find the di stribution of the stress field using the concept of through-thickness integ ration. Thermal strains at individual Gauss points are calculated and the s ame are integrated to obtain the nodal loads. Thermo-elasto-plastic formula tions using a von-Mises yield criterion with linear isotropic hardening has been employed. The formulations are validated with 2-D and 3-D experimenta l results available in the literature. It was established that this method can be used for estimating residual stresses in shell-like structures. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.