An FE computer model to investigate the effects of varying A.C. frequency and strip speed during high speed resistance seam welding of tinplate

摘要

High Speed Resistance Welding (HSRW) is a high-volume manufacturing route for the production of welded steel cans. Full optimisation of such a process requires a scientific understanding of the relationships between process variables and thermal effects occurring in the weld zone and heat affected zone. This paper follows on from previous work undertaken as part of an ongoing project to develop a predictive FE computer model of the HSRW process. Presently, the model has been used to investigate the thermal effects of welding speed and A.C. frequency on the macro scale evolution of the nuggets developed during welding. The model formulation and results generated using the model are described. The effects of varying strip speed and A.C. frequency on temperature distributions, current density fields and predicted nugget lengths are highlighted.