Strength analysis of welded joint of high-strength ferritic steel using the GMAW method

The paper presents the results of testing the strength of butt joints welded with the GMAW method. The base material of the joints was high-strength ferritic steel. The research program included experimental and computational part. In experimental studies, precise hardness distribution measurements were carried out to determine the extent of zones in joints. On the basis of the hardness of the material, its strength characteristics were defined in the relevant sections of the welded joint analyzed. Defining material properties and geometry of zones allowed to create a numerical model of the specimen. Based on the numerical analysis of the specimen load, the most stressed areas in the welded joint were determined. The results of numerical computations were verified by experimental methods. The correctness of the numerical model was checked by comparing the strain distributions on the surface of the specimen obtained FEM and measured using the Aramis video system.