Numerical Analysis of Residual Stresses and Distortions in Aluminium Alloy Welded Joints

摘要

Simulation software based on a finite element method have significantly changed the possibilities of determining welding strains and stresses at early stages of product design and welding technology development. But the numerical simulation of welding processes is one of the more complicated issues in analyses carried out using the Finite Element Method. A welding process thermal cycle directly affects the thermal and mechanical behaviour of a structure during the process. High temperature and subsequent cooling of welded elements generate undesirable strains and stresses in the structure. Knowledge about the material behaviour subjected to the welding thermal cycle is most important to understand process phenomena and proper steering of the process. The study presented involved the SYSWELD software-based analysis of MIG welded butt joints made of 1.0 mm thickness, 5xxx series aluminium alloy sheets. The analysis of strains and the distribution of stresses were carried out for several different cases of fixing and releasing of welded elements.