What aspect of welding is affected most by internal stresses?

Durability is significantly affected by internal stresses that occur during the welding process. As materials are welded, they undergo rapid heating and cooling, which can create a non-uniform distribution of stresses within the weld and surrounding materials. These internal stresses can lead to various issues, such as distortion, cracking, and reduced lifespan of the welded joint when subjected to operational loads or environmental conditions.

In terms of durability, the presence of internal stresses may compromise the integrity of the weld, making it more susceptible to failure under load or impact. A high level of durability is essential for welded structures, especially in applications such as aviation and other fields where safety and reliability are paramount.

While aesthetic finish, flexibility, and electrical conductivity are also relevant properties in various contexts of welding and metalworking, they are not the primary aspects affected by internal stresses to the same extent as durability. Aesthetic finish may be impacted to some degree by distortion caused by stresses, but the critical factor in designing and evaluating welded structures is their long-term durability in service.