Finite Element Analysis Using Interface Element for Predicting Deformation during Butt Welding Considering Root Gap and Tack Welds

摘要

In shipbuilding, it is necessary to join large plates by butt-welding. Itis impossible to avoid the deformation during welding. When thewelding condition is not properly selected, end cracking may occur.Thus, it is very important to predict the welding deformation and theformation of end cracking. For the accurate prediction of weldingdeformation and cracking under real situation in shipbuilding, it isnecessary to take into consideration the influence of the root gap andtack welds. In this report, finite element method (FEM) usingtemperature dependent interface element is proposed in order toanalyze the influence of the root gap and tack weld. The gap isintroduced into the interface element as an additional variable torepresent the transient behavior of the root gap during welding. Usingthe proposed method, the influence of the welding condition, the tackweld interval and the tab plate on the deformation and the formationof end cracking is clarified.