Prediction of Welding Deformation and Residual Stresses in Fillet Welds Using Indirect Couple Field FE Method

摘要

Fillet welds are extensively used in shipbuilding, automobile and other industries. Heat concentrated at a small area during welding induces distortions and residual stresses, affecting the structural strength. In this study, indirect coupled-field method is used to predict welding residual stresses and deformation in a fillet joint due to welding on both sides. 3-D nonlinear thermal finite element analysis is performed in ANSYS software followed by a structural analysis. Symmetrical boundary conditions are applied on half of the model for simplification. Results of FE structure analysis predict residual stresses in the specimen. A comparison of simulation results with experimental values proves the authenticity of the technique. The present study can be extended for complex structures and welding techniques.