Stress state around imperfections in welded joints

Abstract

Because of their geometry, welded joints can cause a local increase of stress. In the presence of imperfections in welded joints the local stress additionally increases and can lead to the formation of cracks. Cracks are detected in the welded joint during testing of pressure equipment in service, and the stress state around imperfections is analysed by finite element method. It is concluded that even the imperfections that are acceptable for the highest level of quality, according to the standard SRPS EN ISO 5817, may cause significant higher local stresses than stresses predicted in the design of the structure.