An advanced finite element (FE) model of the electrofusion welding of thermoplastic pipes has been developed using the ABAQUS FE package. The heat transfer analysis is coupled with thermal deformation analysis to include the time-dependent closure of the initial gap between the pipe and fitting. The effect of radial melt movement into the interface is modelled using a new ‘virtual material movement’ technique. The predicted results (temperature distribution in the weld region, melt affected zones and gap closure time) are compared with experimental data and good agreement is found.
MrukS. A.In Proceedings of Twelfth Plastic Fuel Gas Pipe Symposium, Boston, 1991, pp. 2–22.
2.
Saint RoyreD.GueugnautD.ReveretD.Test methodology for the determination of optimum fusion welding conditions of PE. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 1989, 38, 147–162.
3.
PitmanG. L.Electrofusion welding prediction and computer-aided design of fittings. In Proceedings of Sixth Conference onPlastic Pipes, University of York, 1985, pp. 29.1–29.7.
4.
DufourD.MeisterE.Polyethylene electrofusion technique: Prediction model of welding quality. In Proceedings of International Gas Research Conference, Japan, 1989, pp. 232–243.
5.
NakashibaA.NishimuraH.InoueF.NakagawaT.Fusion simulation of EF polyethylene joints for gas distribution. Unpublished manuscript, 1992.
6.
NishimuraH.InoueF.IshikawaT.Fusion simulation of EF joints. In Proceedings of International Gas Research Conference, 1992, pp. 495–502.
7.
O'DonoghueP. E.KanninenM. F.GreenS. T.GrigoryS. C.Results of a thermomechanical analysis model for EF joining of PE gas pipes. In Proceedings of Twelfth Plastic Fuel Gas Pipe Symposium, Boston, 1991, pp. 331–342.
8.
RosalaG. F.The process mechanics of polymer pipes welding by electro-fusion. PhD thesis, University of Bradford, 1995.
9.
ABAQUS Theory Manual, Version 5.3, Hibbit, Karlsson and Sorensen, Inc., 1994.
10.
Technical Information, IMI Scott Limited, 1993.
11.
HinchcliffF. A.Computer-aided process design and quality prediction in the electrofusion welding of plastic pipes. Universities of Bradford and Brunel, Progress report 8, August 1994.
