Influence of Mesh Size on Welding Deformation and Residual Stress of Lap Joints

摘要

To explore the influence of mesh size on the accuracy of welding simulation, the weld seam and heat affected zone are treated with different mesh sizes. The finite element models are established to obtain the welding deformation and residual stress distribution of the lap joint. The results are verified by the test. The results show that, from the trend of deformation and residual stress distribution, results from different weld mesh sizes coincide with the distribution trend of test results, which proves the validity of the finite element models. Welding deformation of the starting arc position is less than that of the ending arc welding position, and the maximum deformation position occurs on the free side along the longitudinal end of weld seam. The change of mesh size has a certain effect on the residual stress distribution. By comparing with the test results, the errors of mesh size of 0.5mm, 1mm, 2mm and 3mm are 2.4%, 5.1%, 16.6% and 12% respectively. The research results have important guiding significance for the pre-processing of welding simulation.