Finite element analysis of circular patch welds

Welding techniques are used not only for manufacturing but also for repairi ng structures. Residual stresses during welding are unavoidable and their e ffects on welded structures can not be disregarded. Therefore, it is necess ary to understand the residual stress distribution after structures are rep aired by welding. To enhance the quality and durability of a welded structu re, this study employs thermal-structure field analysis by finite element t echniques to analyze the thermo-mechanical behavior and evaluate the distri butions of residual stresses in circular patch welds. The influence of repa ir size on residual stresses is also examined. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Lt d. All rights reserved.