Effects of geometry and combined loading on steady-state creep stresses in welded branches

In our previous paper, it was found that the mis-match effect in creep on steady-state stresses within the weld metal for a large bore branch junction could be uniquely quantified by the mis-match factor defined as a function of the creep stress exponent and the ratio of creep constants for the base and weld materials. Furthermore ratios of section-averaged (effective and maximum principal) stresses for the mis-matched case to those for the even-matched case were linearly dependent on the mis-match factor. Above results were obtained for a specific branch geometry under single loading. This paper extends our previous analysis to other branch geometries and to combined loading. It is found that above conclusions can be applied to general branch components under combined loading.

► This paper quantifies the mismatch effect in creep on steady-state stresses within the weld metal in welded branch junctions.
► We found that the mismatch effect in creep on steady-state stresses could be uniquely quantified by the mis-match factor.
► We also found that ratios of section-averaged stresses were linearly dependent on the mis-match factor.
► Above two conclusions can be applied to general branch components under combined loading.