Arc physics based heat source modelling for numerical simulation of weld residual stress and distortion

Abstract

Heat source modelling based on weld arc physics has been developed for the more accurate numerical simulation of weld residual stress and distortion. Computational simulation of tungsten inert gas arc plasma based on mathematical modelling of the heat transfer from arc plasma to a welded plate is performed to obtain a more precise temperature distribution during welding. The temperature distribution obtained is used for a large deformation thermal elastic–plastic stress analysis of weld residual stress and distortion. In addition, the effects of welding process conditions on weld residual stress and distortion are examined considering weld penetration with the arc plasma process and verified experimentally. Finally, the effectiveness of arc physics based heat source modelling for numerical simulation of the weld residual stress and distortion is evaluated.