Residual Stress Distribution Depending on Welding Sequence in Multi-Pass Welded Joints With X-Shaped Groove

Abstract

Residual stress in a large-diameter multi-pass butt-welded pipe joint was calculated for various welding pass sequences by thermal elastic-plastic analysis using the finite element method. The pipe joint used had an X-shaped groove, and the sequences of welding passes were changed. The distribution of residual stress depends on the welding pass sequences. The mechanism that produces residual stress in the welded pipe joint was studied in detail by using a simple prediction model. An optimum welding sequence for preventing stress-corrosion cracking was determined from the residual stress distribution. [S0094-9930(00)00701-0]