Numerical simulation of laser welded joints: modern fatigue analysis methodology

Abstract

Welding always induces discontinuities and imperfections in the structure that allows for potential fatigue cracks. Welding effects thermal strains, which yield to residual stresses of the structure that have a noticeable effect on the fatigue behaviour of the structure. Welding inexorably leads to microstructure and geometry changes in the welding region. Material internal changes, residual stresses and microstructural changes can be simulated numerically, and the simulation results can be used in cyclic loading analysis in FEA.