RESIDUAL STRESSES IN THICK WELDED PLATES

This report presents the results of an experimental investigation of the magnitude and distribution of residual stresses in heavy steel plates. Twenty-six plates were investigated, of which twenty had oxygen-cut (OC) edges, and the remaining six were universal mill (UM) plates with as-rolled edges. The plate width varied from 9 to 24 in. and the thickness from 1 1/2 to 6 in. Some of the plates were studied in the as-manufactured condition, whereas others had weld beads placed along the center or along the edges, so as to simulate the component plates of welded built-up shapes. It was found that for as-manufactured UM plates, the maximum compressive residual stress could be determined using the width-factor B, a measure of the rate of cooling after rolling, and that it increased with increasing plate size. Comparison with theoretical results showed good correlation between experiment and theory. The variation of the residual stress through the thickness was negligible in plates thinner than one inch. Considerable variation might be expected in thicker plates. The oxygen-cutting caused a change in the material properties close to the edge. The stresses at such edges often were higher than the yield stress of the plate base metal. The welding had significant effects only in a narrow region around the welds, but increased with decreasing plate size. Heavy edgewelded plates had residual stress distributions closely resembling those of their as-manufactured counterparts. A comparison with the residual stresses in welded built-up (OC) H-shapes, showed that the centerwelded (OC) and the as-manufactured (OC) plate might represent the flange and the web, respectively, of the shape.

  • Availability:
  • Corporate Authors:

    American Welding Society

    345 East 47th Street
    New York, NY  United States  10017
  • Authors:
    • Bjorhovde, R
    • Brozetti, J
    • Alpsten, G
    • Tall, L
  • Publication Date: 1972-8

Media Info

  • Pagination: p. 392-405
  • Serial:
    • Welding Journal
    • Volume: 51 N
    • Issue Number: 8
    • Publisher: American Welding Society
    • ISSN: 0043-2296

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00035235
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: United States Merchant Marine Academy
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Oct 27 1972 12:00AM