A Computational Model of Backlay Welding for Controlling Residual Stresses in Welded Pipes

Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking (IGSCC) has been a problem in Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) piping systems. One method for retarding IGSCC is to eliminate tensile residual stresses at the pipe inner surface in the heat affected zone produced by the welding process. A method called backlay welding can be effective in producing compressive residual stresses at the pipe inner surface. This paper describes a computational model and its use in examining the effectiveness of the backlay welding process. The model has demonstrated an ability to predict weld-induced residual stresses for a variety of pipe sizes and welding conditions. Computational results for backlay welding are in agreement with residual stress data. The mechanisms causing residual stresses and the effect of the number of backlay weld layers on residual stresses are discussed.