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Effect of weld metal mismatch on fracture mechanics parameters

Book ·
OSTI ID:33184
;  [1]
  1. Univ. Coll. of Swansea (United Kingdom). Dept. of Civil Engineering

This paper presents the results of a combined experimental and numerical investigation into the effect of weld metal mismatch on the fracture behavior of single edge notch bend specimens. The aims of the study were to validate numerical data by physical testing and to obtain a qualitative understanding of the effect of material heterogeneity on the fracture behavior of double-V shaped butt welded joints with shallow crack geometry. Four plain and four welded specimens were tested to evaluate the crack tip opening displacements (CTOD). All the specimens tested were numerically simulated, using the finite element method, to obtain values of both the CTOD and the J-integral. The comparative study has demonstrated that there was very good agreement between the test and computed results. With regard to fracture behavior, the overmatching welds were highly resistant to deformation causing a reduction in the fracture parameters when compared with the plain bars, whereas undermatching introduced high strains in the weld and hence elevated CTOD and J. Comparison of the results with those predicted using the COD and J design curves indicates that the design curves are totally inadequate in predicting fracture behavior of welded components consisting of materials of highly different properties.

OSTI ID:
33184
Report Number(s):
CONF-930641--; ISBN 0-7918-0785-1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English