Weld assessments using FEM

The Finite Element Method (FEM) has been available for the past 40 years and has become a widely used tool for strength analyses. However, it is still difficult to find guidelines on how to build and evaluate the results from FE models of welded structures exposed to fatigue.

 

High demands are placed on load conditions, the appearance of the FE model, choice of elements, and evaluation methods in the analysis of fatigue-loaded welded structures.

 

The purpose of the course is to provide engineering guidance on how to solve the difficulties that arise during the evaluation of FEM analyses with a reasonable amount of effort. The course includes several examples and suggestions for suitable modeling and evaluation methods.

 

Furthermore, various design standards in the field are compared, and the appropriateness of utilizing these standards in FEM analyses is discussed. Participants are encouraged to submit their own design problems or load collections for analysis during the course exercises in advance

 

Prerequisites: The course is intended for calculation engineers and designers who work regularly with FEM, possess a solid general understanding of strength and stress, and have experience with EC3, EN 13001, DNV-RP, IIW recommendations, or equivalent design codes.

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Program:

Day 1: General Information on Fatigue and FE Analyses of Welded Structures
- Fatigue of Welded Structures: General fundamentals focused on analysis using FEM
- Evaluation Methods: Overview and brief explanation/comparison
- In-depth on Modeling and Evaluation Methods: Nominal stresses, Hot Spot method,Effective Notch method, and Fracture Mechanics. 

 

Day 2: Evaluation methods and comparison of different design codes.
- Different design codes: DNV-RP, Eurocode 3, IIW recommendations, EN 13001.
- Modeling, selection of elements: When, where, and how to choose between Beam, Shell, and Solid elements.
- Optimal throat thickness: How to analyze and optimize weld throat thickness.
- Shell elements and Solid elements: Tips, advice, and warnings.

 

Day 3: Estimations of Service Life, Multiaxial Stress Conditions, and Problem Solving.

- Estimations of service life.

- How to address Multiaxial stress conditions in FE-analyses?

- Problem Solving.

- Participants' questions may also be included as practice exercises if submitted well in advance of the course start.