Numerical and experimental investigation on the effects of submerged arc welding sequence on the residual distortion of the fillet welded plates

Abstract

In this study, in order to estimate the residual distortions of the fillet welded plates, three-dimensional finite element simulation was employed. The simulation included the uncoupled thermal and structural analyses which used the element birth and death technique to simulate the addition of weld metal to the workpiece. The accuracy of the finite element model was assessed by comparing the distortion results with experimental measurements. The effects of five different welding sequences on the residual distortion in fillet welded plates were investigated. The residual welding distortion in different positions for fillet welded plates was studied. It is obtained that by choosing the appropriate welding sequence, the maximum vertical residual distortion could be decreased significantly.