Simulating Creep Damage Progression at Welds with Emphasis on Evaluating Longitudinal Seam Peaking

Realistically simulating the creep response of welded components can offer perspective on remaining life, help quantify the risk associated with operating in-service high-temperature equipment, and can validate new component designs. Weld misalignment, or “peaking,” increases the likelihood of failure and can dramatically reduce the remaining life of components operating at high temperatures. Furthermore, several failures of welded high-temperature, low-chrome piping in the refining and power generation industries have been attributed to peaking of longitudinal weld seams.