Numerical calculation of residual stress development of multi-pass gas metal arc welding

In various applications, welding-induced residual stresses have a substantial impact on the integrity of welded constructions. Tensile residual stress can promote stress-corrosion cracking, brittle fracture, and reduces the fatigue life in service, as well as influences component design due to critical stress concentrations within the component.In the present paper, a six bead multi-pass gas metal arc weld of 20 mm thick structural steel S355J2+N is experimentally and numerically investigated. The studies include transient 2D and 3D numerical calculations which consider temperature-dependent material properties, phase transformations, “thermal” tempering, transformation plasticity, volume change due to phase transformation, an elastic–plastic material model, and isotropic strain hardening. The experimentally determined and calculated residual stresses are in a good agreement. Furthermore, the influence of the preheat and interpass temperature on welding-induced residual stresses is shown in the present investigation.

► Validated numerical model for welding simulation is set up.
► Experimental and calculated residual stresses show good agreement.
► Suitability of a 2D model for residual stress calculation shown.
► Influence of preheat and interpass temperature on residual stresses clarified.