Residual Stress Analyses in a Pipe Welding Simulation: 3D Pipe Versus Axi-symmetric Models

This paper numerically studied the residual stress in a butt-welded steel pipe. A comparison of 3D pipe and axi-symmetric finite element model under the condition of same welding simulation parameters was carried out. The results showed that axi- symmetric model share similar residual stress distribution with 3D model in the condition of same heat source shape parameters. However, the stress values of the two concerned models were quite different. Meanwhile the scale of welding pool for 3D model was almost twice bigger than that of axi-symmetric model. Both welding experiment and simulation results of 3D model showed that peak temperature of welding pool along the welding path increased during the welding process, and welding pool width and depth also increased with the moving of heat source.