Welding Distortion Simulation of Large Stiffened Plate Panels

Abstract

Fusion welding leads to heat-induced distortion. These deformations may adversely affect the structural integrity and subsequent alignment of the adjacent panels. The extent of distortion depends on several parameters such as welding speed, plate thickness, welding current, voltage, restraints applied to the job while welding, as well as sequence of welding. Welding being a transient phenomenon, finite element analysis of large stiffened panels is virtually not possible. In the present work, an analysis methodology based on the quasi-stationary nature of welding and the resulting symmetric behavior of the stiffened panels has been developed for studying the distortion pattern of orthogonally stiffened large plate panels. The effect of filler metal deposition has been taken into account by implementing element birth and death technique. The numerical model yielded results comparing well with the ex- perimental results.