Finite element analysis of stress and distortion for welding reinforced structure of angular steel used for power tower under load

Based on thermal-elastic-plastic theory, a three-dimensional numerical model of residual stress and distortion in L-shaped welding reinforced structure of angle steel used for power transmission tower is developed. The characteristics of residual stress distribution and deformation are numerically investigated, which are compared with the stress and deformation under the action of lateral compressive load. The research results show that, a large stress is generated in and near the weld zone. With enhancing the weld bead length, both equivalent stress and residual distortion have a growth, and the equivalent stress peak reaches 329Mpa, slightly lower than the yield stress of base metal, meanwhile the longitudinal residual stress peak is 399Mpa, higher than the yield stress of base metal. Under the action of 15000Pa lateral compressive load, the stress has no obvious change in the near weld zone of reinforce structure compared with that without load, and the distortion peak reaches 11mm.