Analysis of 3D Planar Laminations in a Welded Section of API 5L X52 Applying the Finite Element Method

Abstract The mechanical behavior of API 5L X52 steel with planar type laminations was studied in the present work. Planar laminations were proposed in the base metal (BM), heat affected zone (HAZ) and welding bead (WB). Three-dimensional finite element (FE) models, kinematic hardening and mechanical properties for BM, HAZ, and WB were activated in the finite element program. The results showed that crack propagation corresponds to the direction of the main stress. For a crack length (2a) of 10.01 mm, crack propagation may occur at the right crack tip towards the outer wall of the BM. For 2a o...