Welding distortion simulation

[satchman]

I am interested in modelling welding distortion effects but don't really know quite where to start. I am not particularly interested in the residual stresses being acurate, more interested in the magnitude and or the direction of the distortion to provide early process information that can be used for process planning.
My application relates to welding of thin sheets and pressings rather than heavy plate. I plan to use Abaqus - although it's a while since I personally did any FEA but have used other systems. I would appreciate any ideas or input from anybody who may have attempted this previously

 

[GJS]

You might want to have a look through this on-line thesis, which studies how to simulate post-weld stresses and deformations with ABAQUS by physically modelling the wedling operation. I found it a good starting point for determining the practical issues associated with this type of simulation in ABAQUS.... and there are several sample input decks listed as well, which might be of help.

http://www.stud.ntnu.no/~artem/welding.htm

Hope its at least a starting point.

GJS

 

[MToft]

Adib Becker at Nottingham University, UK, has done a lot of work (inluding with NAFEMS) on weld modelling, tho usually for stresses rather than distortion - maybe have a look at his web pages/Google, ring or email him; I regard him as a bit of a weld modelling "guru" (in as much as anyone is!)...

Good luck,

MToft