Finite element analysis on welding residual stresses of thick wall pipe of heat resistant steel

A two-dimensional axial-symmetric finite-element model of welding residual stresses of thick-wall pipe has been proposed based on the theory of thermal-elastoplasticity.Using ANSYS finite-element program,the welding stresses of heat resistant steel is simulated.The results show that both the hoop stresses and axial stresses are tensile stress in the inner surface zone of welded joint,but the compression stress appears in the outer surface zone.The stress value near the inner surface is higher than the one of the outer surface in the joint,and radial stresses are less than hoop stresses and axial stresses.The maximal value of residual stresses appears in the certain distance beneath exterior surface of the pipe,and the value is close to the yield stress.