Structural Hot-Spot Stress Determination Using Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

This chapter gives several hints regarding stress determination and interpretation in finite element models and discusses the choice of suitable finite elements with respect to structural hot-spot stress analyses, covering shell as well as solid elements. Three methods of deriving structural hot-spot stresses are explained and discussed in detail, i. e. the through-thickness stress linearization at the hot-spot, the surface stress extrapolation to the hot-spot, and the determination of the structural hot-spot stress at a certain point in front of or below the hot-spot. Finally, detailed hints are given regarding the choice of the element type and size as well as stress evaluation in case of coarse and fine finite element meshes, supplemented by some remarks on the weld modelling when using shell elements.