3-D Eigenstrain Solutions Used to Predict Residual Stress of Welds
Researchers in the UK are exploring a new analytical framework for predicting and measuring weld-induced residual stresses. The aim is to provide a more accurate, rapid, and less costly approach to the problem by using 3-D eigenstrain solutions. Partners in the project include British Energy Generation Ltd and Airbus.
Researchers at University of Bristol believe they can predict the response of different sized components in a fraction of the time it takes to conduct finite-element analysis (FEA). “It is a tool based on the underlying physics of the weld,” says Dr. Chris Truman at Bristol. The model predicts the residual stresses by combining thermal elasticity predictions (temperature and stress during welding) with the eigenstrains (inelastic strains) to ensure the material remains on the yield surface. The heat source in the model is then removed, eliminating the thermal elasticity strain. “The corrective inelastic...