Welded components for machines. Elastic behaviour

When two structural elements of a given shape are joined by welding or brazing, the designer must naturally consider which type of welded joint is most appropriate to the situation. From a technical point of view, the choice is, in principle, conditioned by knowledge of various factors, including :

• forces in transit or, more precisely, the shape of isostatic lines relative to a given loading ;

• any local structural changes in the material;

• the inevitable residual stresses and geometric imperfections resulting from the welding operation.

After a first article on Welded mechanical parts – Reminders and definitions [BM 5 185] , this second article examines the particularities of the elastic behavior of welded mechanical parts, in order to avoid premature damage in service under static or variable loads, and to take advantage of the plastic adaptation mechanism offered by most metals and alloys, which guarantees the mechanical strength of the connection.