A Novel Method for Welding Residual Deformations Prediction

Prediction of welding deformations for large structure is limited by computational reasons. Nowadays, experience plays an important role in minimizing distortions and the cost of straightening is considered as intrinsic in the process. A fast but reliable simplified method could increase productivity. On one of the factors significantly influence the welding residual distortions is the welding sequence at the global assembly scale and the presence of clamps. A non linear extension of the Virtual Weld Bead Method which is based on the concepts of the Inherent Strain Method and Strain and Direct Boundary has been developed. Auxiliary elements have been introduced to apply an equivalent load on non linear elements introducing transversal shrinkage as well as angular shrinkage in this first version. A dedicated inverse analysis procedure has been developed to calibrate the equivalent load to be applied and an experimental validation has been performed. The first part of this validation is present focusing on a single welded joint with different clamping conditions, the effect of clamps has been correctly predicted.