Advanced numerical simulation on effects of welding onto high strength S690 and S960 steel welded H-sections

Abstract

In this paper, an advanced numerical simulation approach, namely, the “Thermal-Metallurgical-Mechanical-Structural” approach, or the TMMS approach, is presented which is able to simulate the effects of welding on the structural behaviour of high strength S690 and S960 welded sections considering phase transformations. This approach is an extension of the “Integrated and Coordinated Advanced Numerical Simulation” approach, or the ICANS approach, which was also proposed by the authors. It should be noted that no phase transformation is considered in the ICANS approach. The ICANS approach is first presented in this paper with a thorough description on both thermal and thermo-mechanical responses of these high strength steel using Abaqus under the effects of welding. The TMMS approach is then presented with an emphasis on thermo-metallurgical responses of the high strength steel considering phase transformations using SYSWELD under the effects of welding. Various sets of measured data on thermal, thermo-metallurgical, thermo-mechanical and structural responses of a total of four welded H-sections are presented, and detailed comparison between measured and numerical data is presented. Owing to occurrence of phase transformations, new material types with different mechanical properties were formed within the heat affected zones, and their phase-dependent mechanical properties as well as residual stresses and plastic strains were incorporated into structural models for structural analysis. The predicted deformation characteristics of the models were demonstrated to follow those of the measured data of welded H-sections under compression closely along the entire deformation ranges.