Exploring Finite Element Validation for Weld Residual Stress Prediction

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff has analyzed results from the weld residual stress round robin study, conducted in 2014. An uncertainty quantification scheme was applied to the dataset in order to compare and contrast results from independent analysts. The uncertainty quantification scheme provides a rigorous framework within which to make judgement calls about appropriate modeling guidelines and potential validation schemes. This paper will explore various options for guidelines and validation approaches, as informed by a statistical analysis of the dataset.