Numerical simulation on fracture mechanics parameters of welded joint with damage

The fracture mechanics parameters of welded joint with damage were numerically simulated with fully coupled strain and damage elastic-plastic finite element method for center-cracked specimens with welded joint. The results show that the rupture strain of base metal has large effects on the fracture behavior of crack in weld metal. If mechanical parameters of weld metal are kept constant, the plastic strain along the ligament and the J-integral increase with the decrease of the rupture strain of base metal for any strength matching ratio. With the decrease of strength matching ratio(viz. the increasing of the strength of base metal), the effect of the rupture strain of base metal on the J-integral is weaken gradually.