A simplified approach to assess weld residual stress distribution through pipe wall

Weld residual stresses play a very significant role in crack growth of fatigue and SCC (Stress Corrosion Cracking). The stress distribution through pipe wall is especially important, however the available data are very limited. In addition, both experiment and FEM analysis are not only expensive but also need long time to get the results. A simplified calculating method is proposed to predict weld residual stress distribution in a pipe wall with good accuracy. The calculated results shows that DHI (Dimensionless Heat Input) is a dominant factor and the distribution changes drastically with it. (orig.)