Finite element simulation of the residual stresses in high strength carbon steel butt weld incorporating solid-state phase transformation

This paper presents a sequentially coupled three-dimensional (3-D) thermal, metallurgical and mechanical finite element (FE) model to simulate welding residual stresses in high strength carbon steel butt weld considering solid-state phase transformation effects. The effects of phase transformation during welding on residual stress evolution are modeled by allowing for volumetric changes and the associated changes in yield stress due to austenitic and martensitic transformations. In the FE model, phase transformation plasticity is also taken into account. Moreover, preheat and inter-pass temperature are included in the modeling process. Based on the FE model, the effects of solid-state phase transformation on welding residual stresses are investigated. The results indicate the importance of incorporating solid-state phase transformation in the simulation of welding residual stresses in high strength carbon steel butt weld.