FEM modifying the resistance curve of weld metal solidification crack measured by trans-varestraint test

The Trans-Varestraint test was modeled with finite element method (FEM) and the local strains in the trail of weld molten pool were obtained with different bending strains. The results show that there is a strain concentration in the train of weld molten pool during Trans-Varestraint testing and the calculated local strains thus modify the tested average strains, that is the material resistance to weld solidification cracks. Moreover, the calculated local strains agree well with the measured local strains got with the combination of high speed CCD camera and the Trans-Varestraint test. Furthermore, the driving force to the solidification crack of the stainless steel SUS310 was calculated and compared with the modified resistance so that the weld solidification crack was predicted, which agrees well with the experimental results. The results indicate that the weld solidification crack can be predicted with combination of Trans-Varestraint test and FEM.