T-joint Fillet Laser Welding of High-Strength Stainless Steel for Curtain Wall Frames

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop a frame for exterior facades of architectural curtain walls using numerical and experimental analyses of stainless steel T-joint fillet laser welds. The main characteristics required for this frame are that it should have an aesthetic surface from the narrow bead width and exhibit improved tensile strength at the joints. In this study, a method for optimizing the welding conditions was developed to simulateneously improve two mutually exclusive properties. It is essential to achieve more than 80% penetration of the weld zone to guarantee tensile properties. Laser welding parameters such as power, welding speed and focus height are the main variables. In addition, when high-strength stainless steel is applied as a curtain wall frame, its structural performance improves compared to conventional stainless steel.