Modeling scheme for weld jointed parts for precise structural analysis of large scale structures

Welding is a well developed, widely used process for permanently joining metal components. However, the mechanical reliability of welded parts still offers room for improvement. A weld region consists of a fusion zone, a partially melted zone, and a heat affected zone, and each zone has deferent material properties. In addition, the geometrical shape of a weld bead or fillet influences the mechanical reliability. A precise structural analysis must consider how a local welded region influences the mechanical behavior of the entire structure. This study focuses on an effective modeling scheme for the weld region. It relies on experimental and numerical methods to determine the proper correlation based on experimental results and to propose a modeling scheme for welded parts