Reprint: Finite Element Modeling of Vibration Stress Relief after Welding

A finite element model was developed to simulate the vibratory stress relief after welding. Both resonant and nonresonant vibrations can relieve residual stresses in welded structures by creating plastic deformation around the weld area. For the non-resonant vibration, the stress reduction strongly depends on the vibration amplitude. For the resonant vibration, the vibration frequency is the key for stress relief. The vibration frequency should be close to the structure natural frequency for the desired vibration mode. Only small vibration amplitude is needed, which will be amplified during vibration. Vibration time does not have a major impact on the vibration stress relief. The larger the amplitude that the vibratory stress relief has, the better the treatment.