Comparison of cross-weld creep testing and service welds

Creep testing of cross-weld specimens is often used to predict weld performance. The global stress state in a cross-weld creep test is substantially different to that occurring in service welds. Using finite element analysis (FEA), the results of cross-weld creep testing were compared with a number of service weld situations. This work was compared to previous published data. Modelling suggested that the results of cross-weld creep testing are not indicative of expected weld performance in service welds. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.