Doodler3D
Mechanical
- Jan 20, 2020
- 188
Hi,
FEA rookie here. I am trying to simplify a 3D bracket welded to a curved surface, using shell elements. Hand calcs average weld stress is 160 psi. The idea is to transfer the load and not worry too much about the weld. Thicknesses are 0.25" and material is A36 plate. 100 lbf force acts from the hole center and the base shell is constrained.
Based on the image attached (left to right):
1. The full 3D mesh has an average weld normal stress of around 170 psi (Solid 3D mesh)
2. The model includes only the surface representation of the weld (Shell mesh)
3. The model has the edge directly bonded to the curved surface and the weld is disregarded (Shell mesh)
4. The surfaces of the welded bracket and the curved shell are combined, i.e. 0.25" + 0.25" (Shell mesh)
Question:
To correctly interpret my results, is St. Venant's principle sufficient to assume that the idealization is correct?
Thank you.
FEA rookie here. I am trying to simplify a 3D bracket welded to a curved surface, using shell elements. Hand calcs average weld stress is 160 psi. The idea is to transfer the load and not worry too much about the weld. Thicknesses are 0.25" and material is A36 plate. 100 lbf force acts from the hole center and the base shell is constrained.
Based on the image attached (left to right):
1. The full 3D mesh has an average weld normal stress of around 170 psi (Solid 3D mesh)
2. The model includes only the surface representation of the weld (Shell mesh)
3. The model has the edge directly bonded to the curved surface and the weld is disregarded (Shell mesh)
4. The surfaces of the welded bracket and the curved shell are combined, i.e. 0.25" + 0.25" (Shell mesh)
Question:
To correctly interpret my results, is St. Venant's principle sufficient to assume that the idealization is correct?

Thank you.