Thermal and Mechanical Analysis of Welded Structures.

The prediction of the residual state of stress and deformation in a welded structure is one of the most interesting and complex problems in structural mechanics. Stress analysis is considered to be a straightforward application for general-purpose, nonlinear finite element structural programs. A few special features of such analyses, are discussed 1 the legitimacy of time-dependent plasticity theories for treating the residual stress problem 2 criteria for choosing plane stress, plane strain, generalized plane strain, or fully three-dimensional models 3 methods for coping with possible floating solid regions during cooling and 4 the use of linear constraints to treat weld metal deposition and intermittent contact.