Computational methods and experimental validation of welding distortion simulation

Abstract

Multiply-stiffened, thin plate, welded fabrications are used in a wide variety of transport fields (aerospace, marine, rail and road vehicles), as this is an effective way of achieving structural strength with low weight and minimum cost. However the resulting out-of-plane distortion associated with welding exacts a severe design penalty. There are qualitative ways to reduce welding distortion, but it would be more useful to be able to predict the final deformation for different welding configurations and then select the best procedure to achieve the required tolerance. [Excerpt]