Finite element modelling of brazed residual stress and its influence factor analysis for stainless steel plate-fin structure

This paper presents a finite element modelling of brazed residual stress in a stainless steel plate-fin structure applied to recuperators in microturbines. The effects of nine influence factors on residual stress are investigated. The results show that the brazed joint creates large residual stresses due to the mechanical properties mismatching between base metal and filler metal. Strength in the middle joint is affected mainly by longitudinal stress. The residual stress gradient around the interface between base metal and filler metal is very large, which can have a great effect on interface strength. The material mismatching, brazing gap, pressure loading, fin pitch, fin thickness, fin height and plate thickness significantly affect the residual stress distribution, while the brazing temperature and the number of fin layers have little impact on residual stress. This work provides a reference for optimizing the brazing procedure and decreasing the residual stress for stainless steel plate-fin structures. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.