Residual stress and simulation of 304–430 stainless steel dissimilar laser-welded joints incorporating materials heterogeneity

Abstract An Nd:YAG laser device is used to conduct laser welding for a 1 mm austenitic stainless steel plate and a ferritic stainless steel plate. A finite element model of the shear punching test is constructed to generate the maximum shear strength in the weld, and the finite element model of laser welding is created using the welding temperature field. The hole drilling test result and the residual stress generated by two algorithms (Nonuniform-material and uniform-material) are compared. Results show that a drop-off of residual stress in the central area of the welded joint is observed when materials heterogeneity is disregarded. When materials heterogeneity is considered, the residual stress curve indicates smooth transition. The value of the latter appears reasonably similar to the experimental value. Therefore, this solution is advantageous in terms of residual stress simulation in dissimilar welded joints and does not critically affect residual deformation.