Laser Welding Simulations of Stainless Steel Joints Using Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Laser beam welding (LBW) is a fusion joining process that uses the energy from a laser beam to melt and subsequently crystallize a metal, resulting in a bond between parts. In this study, finite element method (FEM) is used for predicting the weld bead profile of laser welding butt, lap and T-joints. A three-dimensional finite element model is used to analyze the temperature distribution weld bead shape for different weld configurations produced by the laser welding process. In the model temperature-dependent thermo physical properties of AISI304 stainless steel, effect of latent heat of fusion and convective and radiative boundary conditions are incorporated. The heat input to the FEM model is assumed to be a 3D conical Gaussian heat source. The finite element software SYSWELD is employed to obtain the numerical results. The computed weld bead profiles for butt, lap and T-joints are compared with the experimental profiles and are found to be in agreement.