Analysis of residual stresses and distortions in T-joint fillet welds

T-joint fillet welds are extensively used in ship engineering and bridge st ructures. Localized heating from the welding process and subsequent rapid c ooling induce tensile residual stress near the toe of the T-joint in fillet welds. Welding produces thermal stresses that cause structural distortions , which influence the buckling strength of the welded structures. This stud y describes the thermal elasto-plastic analysis using finite element techni ques to analyse the thermomechanical behaviour and evaluate the residual st resses and angular distortions of the T-joint in fillet welds. Furthermore, this work employs the technique of element birth and death to simulate the weld filler variation with time in T-joint fillet welds. Also discussed ar e the effects of flange thickness, welding penetration depth, and restraint condition of welding on the residual stresses and distortions. (C) 2001 El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.