Weld FEA Modelling Checklist
Review prompts for modelling welds in FEA — representation, mesh, stress extraction location and modelling approach selection.
Purpose
For checking FE models of welded connections.
Representation
- Is the weld modelled with the appropriate level of detail for the analysis purpose? — Solid weld for local stress; shell model for global
- For fatigue, is the weld toe modelled with sufficient mesh refinement? — For hot-spot stress extrapolation
- Is the weld toe location identified and the stress extracted at the correct distance? — Per standard extrapolation
- Is the weld root assessed if it is a potential failure site? — Not just the toe
- For resistance spot welds, is the nugget modelled with appropriate stiffness and failure criterion? — Spot weld model
Residual Stress
- Is residual stress from welding accounted for if significant? — Can be tensile at the toe, up to yield
- Is a residual stress analysis (or assumption) documented? — Or justified as not required
- Is post-weld heat treatment accounted for if specified? — Reduces residual stress