Failure analysis of welded joint with multiple defects by extended Finite Element Method and Engineering Critical Analysis

Failure analysis of welded joint with multiple defects was performed taking into account the effect of all defects, not just a dominant one. Four cases of multiple defects in welded joint under the uniaxial tensile loading were investigated using extended Finite Element Method. Two-dimensional Finite Element Models were made according to the tensile specimens with initial crack located in a critical area of welded joint. For each multiple defects case, numerical simulation was performed with three initial crack depth. Engineering Critical Analysis was made using Failure Assessment Diagrams for each defect that was determined as critical for its welded joint case. Numerical simulation showed that the geometry of the most prominent one from a point of view of structural integrity. It was concluded that the vertical misalignment in combination with a secondary defect, had the most adverse effect which can lead to failure of welded structure.