Recent M.I.T. Research on Residual Stresses and Distortion in Welded Structures

Abstract

This paper presents a summary of recent efforts by the Welding Research Group at the Department of Ocean Engineering, M.l.T. The major thrust of the efforts has been to develop technologies of reducing residual stresses and distortion through in-process control. Part 1 discusses reduction of longitudinal bending distortion of built-up beams, reduction of radial distortion and residual stresses in girth- welded pipes, reduction of forces acting on tack welds during butt welding, and reduction of residual stresses and distortion in high-strength steel weldments. Part 2 presents a brief summary of other research studies, including the forming of steel plates by line heating with a high-power laser beam, an intelligent system for flame straightening of panel structures, and the development of a knowledge- based system for minimizing out-of-plane distortion of welded structures.