Experimental and numerical simulation of restraining forces in gas metal arc welded joints

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2006

Abstract

The gas metal arc welding process (a method of joining two metals by diffusion) is used to join metal in many industrial applications. Restraining forces arise from the nonuniform thermal field generated by welding. In this study, restraining force exerted during the welding process is calculated both numerically and experimentally. In numerical analysis, finite element software (ANSYS) has been used. In experimental analysis, a jig was designed and built that uses load cells to measure the force required to restrain two mild steel plates (base plate) while they are being welded by an automatically controlled welding robot. After checking for reliability, tests were carried out to determine the effects of various welding speeds and heat inputs on the restraining forces. The results showed that welding speed has little effect on the restraining force but by increasing heat input, restraining forces increase significantly. The most relevant and useful information on the effects of the welding conditions is derived from the slope of the graph of the force vs. the distance traveled in time. The finite element predictions of restraining force due to various welding conditions produce similar trends and the slopes as the experimental results.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Welding Journal (Miami, Fla)

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