Properties of Heat Affected Area

[sgolds]

Please excuse my ignorance on this subject but I am just starting to investigate some finite element modelling of a two welded steel parts. I am particularly interested in some high stress readings we have noted in the vicinity of the weld. Could anyone give me some figures or tell me where I might find information on suitable values to plug in for the mechanical properties of the heat affected area? The steel being used is referred in drawings as UNI 7070 - FE 510 C.

 

[Ron]

If you have the opportunity, you can cut a cross section specimen and perform a hardness traverse across from the base metal, through the HAZ and through the weld. The heat affected zone has physically altered properties but the chemistry is reasonably intact, except where the solutioning occurred at the weld interface.

The hardness values can be correlated to other physical properties to plug into your model.

 

[butelja]

If fatigue is a factor, you must consider the residual stresses left by welding in addition to the stresses imposed by the design loads. The fatigue life of a welded joint can be improved by stress relieving after welding.