Abstract
Tensile properties of a fusion welded joint depend highly on the characteristics of the heat-affected-zone (HAZ). The HAZ characteristics show much variation according to the welding procedures. Numerical analysis is a powerful and convenient method for designing the high strength joints, and the three-dimensional finite element analysis (3-D FEA) has been the only reliable method for the wide plate weld joints. However, the 3-D FEA is too time-consuming; hence, a more efficient method is pursued in this study. Two 2-D FEA models, the plane strain model and the generalized plane strain model, are compared with the 3-D model. Variables for the over-match or the even-match weld metal, U-type or V-type profile of the softened HAZ strength, and the HAZ thickness and width are investigated. The results show that the joint strength and the distribution of the equivalent plastic strain are almost similar for the 2-D generalized plane strain model and the 3-D FEA.
