A Model for Prediction of Fracture Initiation in Finite Element Analyses of Welded Steel Connections

.......................................................................................................................................... i Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................... iii Chapter 1: Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Objective..................................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Outline ........................................................................................................................ 2 Chapter 2: Background ................................................................................................................ 3 2.1 Fillet Weld Design Specification................................................................................ 3 2.2 Damage Mechanics in Abaqus ................................................................................... 7 2.3 Applications of Damage Mechanics in Finite Element Modeling ........................... 10 Chapter 3: Procedural Outline .................................................................................................. 12 3.1 Procedure .................................................................................................................. 12 3.2 Tested Lap Splice Assemblies .................................................................................. 14 3.3 Tested T-Stub Assemblies ........................................................................................ 19 Chapter 4: Modeling Methodology ........................................................................................... 22 4.1 Material Property Definition .................................................................................... 22 4.2 Choice of Modeling Methodology ........................................................................... 23 4.3 Nodal Connectivity and Contact .............................................................................. 27 4.4 Element Selection and Convergence Study.............................................................. 30 4.5 Summary of Methodology........................................................................................ 34 Chapter 5: Finite Element Models ............................................................................................ 36 5.1 Lap Splice Assemblies ............................................................................................. 36 5.2 T-Stub Assemblies.................................................................................................... 42 Chapter 6: Analysis of Results ................................................................................................... 46 6.1 Displacements at Fracture and Ultimate Load ......................................................... 46 6.2 Collection of Results (Lap Splice Assemblies) ........................................................ 47 6.3 Results of 5 mm Weld Assemblies........................................................................... 49 6.4 Establishment of Damage Scaling Factor Relationship ........................................... 56 6.5 Results of 9-mm Weld Assemblies .......................................................................... 57 6.6 Collection of Results (T-Stub Assemblies) .............................................................. 62 6.7 Results for T-Stub Assemblies ................................................................................. 63 Prediction of Fracture in Finite Element Keith Alan Adkins Modeling of Welded Steel Connections Table of