Analysis of Stress Distribution in Sulfide Stress Cracking Tests

Understanding the effect of stress distribution during sulfide stress cracking testing is essential for obtaining reliable results. Therefore, the local stresses in four-point bend transverse-weld specimens were simulated using the finite element method. The analysis revealed localized plastic strain in the heat-affected zone of the longitudinal submerged arc weld. When specimens were loaded to 90% of actual yield strength, the resulting stresses exceeded those found in a pressurized pipe by up to 60%. The findings were validated through internal loading of full-ring test specimens in accordance with ISO 3845 at various stress levels. This article summarizes the study presented elsewhere.1