Mohd Shahar Sulaiman, Yupiter HP Manurung*, Esa Haruman, Mohammad Ridzwan Abdul Rahim, Mohd Ridhwan Redza, Robert Ngendang Ak. Lidam, Sunhaji Kiyai Abas, Ghalib Tham and Chan Yin Chau
The Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, vol. 25, no. 10, pp.2641-2646, 2011

Abstract : This paper investigates the capability of linear thermal elastic numerical analysis to predict the welding distortion that occurs due to GMAW process. Distortion is considered as the major stumbling block that can adversely affect the dimensional accuracy and thus lead to expensive corrective work. Hence, forecast of distortion is crucially needed and ought to be determined in advance in order to minimize the negative effects, improve the quality of welded parts and finally to reduce the production costs. In this study, the welding deformation was simulated by using relatively new FEM software WELD PLANNER developed by ESI Group. This novel Welding Simulation Solution was employed to predict welding distortion induced in butt and T-joints with thickness of 4 mm. Low carbon steel material was used for the simulation and experimental study. A series of experiments using fully automated welding process were conducted for verification purpose to measure the distortion. By comparing between the simulation and experimental results, it was found out that this program code offered fast solution analysis time in estimating weld induced distortion within acceptable accuracy.

Keyword : FEM; Numerical analysis; Welding distortion; WELD PLANNER