Effects of Pipe Dimensions and Outer Surface-Buttering Weld Conditions on Residual Stress Distributions
Effects of pipe dimensions and outer surface-buttering weld conditions on residual stress distributions were evaluated using the finite element method. Residual stresses were analyzed for 508–mm-diameter (500A) pipe 38.1 mm thick, 508–mm-diameter (500A) pipe 15.1 mm thick, and 267–mm-diameter (250A) pipe 15.1 mm thick. After the residual stresses at pipe butt joints were analyzed, residual stresses at these joints subjected to the outer surface-buttering welds were analyzed. Residual stresses were determined for various weld widths, thicknesses, and heat inputs. These analyses indicate that tensile axial stress occurred at inner surface of the pipe butt joint and that it decreased with increasing the outer surface buttering-weld width or heat input. They also indicate that compressive hoop stress occurred at inner surface of the joint and that outer surface-buttering weld increased it. The outer surface-buttering weld conditions that generate compressive residual stress at the inner surface of the pipe butt joints were determined.