Evaluation of the Integrity of PWR Bimetallic Welds

Abstract

This paper presents the state of the art and the progress made in the numerical simulation of the stress state in a complex multi-material structure, using not only sophisticated finite element tools, but also the simplified engineering methods. A comparison of the numerical results concerning residual stresses is made with those measured using X-ray diffraction method and incremental hole-drilling technique. Finally, an example is given on the analysis of a fully circumferential crack in a typical bimetallic weld under pressure, thermal, and residual stresses. [S0094-9930(00)00703-4]

Forming residual stresses effects on the electron beam welding distortions of thick components

“…Welding process which involves complex physical phenomena [5] leads to residual stresses in the welded region and global distortions along the components that may have negative effects on the welded structure behaviour in term of strength and displacement margin. This approach has already been validated for tubular structure [8]. In the present investigation, the 316L(N) austenitic stainless steel does not exhibit any phase transformation so the simulation is simplified.…”

Numerical Simulation of a Steel Weld Joint and Fracture Mechanics Study of a Compact Tension Specimen for Zones of Weld Joint

“…The evaluation of the mechanical strength is mainly based on the knowledge of the microstructure and the residual stresses. The analyzes are often qualitative, but we can go further even if published studies are relatively few [1,2]. The evaluation of a welded structure requires characteristic properties of materials through by using of small-sized specimens extracted from the welded structures [3,4], searches were conducted by Muránsky et al [5] where he concluded that the residual stresses maintained remain significant, reaching 100 MPa.…”

Experimental Analysis of Thermal Fatigue in Bimetallic Welds

“…These defects occur majorly within or near welds, across which properties may change significantly. Bimetallic welds remain a challenge for structural integrity assessment with regard to factors responsible for failure [3,4,5,6].…”