Systems and methods described herein are configured to estimate
nominal stress using finite element (FE) stress calculations, without hand calculations, specific mesh density requirements, or identifying specific geometric parameters such as plate thickness. The systems and methods described herein may be utilized to identify
nominal stress in welded structures and components, and also in non-welded components that have stress raisers due to other causes. The systems and methods described herein also allow readily available FE stress results to be utilized in a consistent manner, as well as providing
user feedback regarding the accuracy of the
nominal stress approximations. Furthermore, the systems and methods described herein are generally faster and less error prone than conventional techniques, and are relatively insensitive to mesh density of the FE stress calculations.