This paper presents a strength analysis of joints made during high-strength steel S960 welding. Joints obtained by conventional and laser welding were tested. The most attention was focused on assessing the strength of the material at Heat Affect Zone (HAZ). To this aim, the effect of Linear Welding Energy (LWE) on changes in microstructure and material characteristics was studied. Numerical models of welded joints were developed using the FEM ABAQUS program. The modelled joints were subjected to simulation loads, which allowed to determine areas (the weakest links) of joints in which the destruction process may develop. Good compatibility of the strains fields on the outer surfaces of the joints calculated numerically and recorded by means of the GOM video system was obtained. Based on the tests carried out, it can be concluded that the use of welding with low levels of LEW allow obtaining joints with comparable strength to the base material.
Keywords: FEM modeling; HSS S960; fracture toughness; strength properties; welding.