Residual stresses induced by laser welding process in the case of a dual-phase steel DP600: Simulation and experimental approaches

This study aimed at characterizing the residual stresses distribution of a DP600 undergoing a laser beam welding. The residual stresses in the ferritic phase have been experimentally determined by the use of the neutron diffraction technique. The results confirmed a gradient of residual stresses among different zones both on the top and below surfaces but also through the thickness of the fusion zone. Low compressive stresses were observed in the BM (Base metal) close to the HAZ zone (heat affected zone) whereas high tensile stresses were observed in the FZ (fusion zone). Two numerical modelling strategies were conducted: first with elastic plastic model (EP) and then with a visco-elastic plastic model (VEP) which takes into account the effect of phase transformation-induced volumetric strain. Both models allowed highlighting the residual stresses evolution through the different zones. Numerical results showed a difference in the residual stresses distribution depending on the model used. In the end, it appears that the high temperature, specific to the laser beam, is the main factor governing the residual stresses. When comparing simulation results with experimental data, the values converge well in some zones, in particular the FZ and the others less. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.