Numerical Simulation of Creep for T-Shaped Welded Joint Under Combined Loadings

Based on the finite element (FE) analysis codes ABAQUS, a coupling calculation method for creep under combined loadings (internal pressure, moment and post weld heat treatment (PWHT) residual stress) has been developed. Firstly, PWHT residual stress of the joint was calculated by the ABAQUS. Secondly, according to Norton creep constitutive equation and relative materials parameters of the welded joint, the creep strain of the joint was analyzed by FE method. Before the joint being in service at high temperature, the stress distributions of the joint were obtained. And then, creep strain distributions of the welded joint under the combined loadings were predicted after 105 hours. The results showed that the stress state of T-shaped joint was complicated for the PWHT residual stress existence and the creep strain was influenced by the PWHT residual stress observably. Therefore, it can be conclude that PWHT residual stress will not be ignored in life prediction of the high temperature components.