3. Solving methods

3.1 Transient analysis

The finite element method is well suited to determining residual welding stresses and distortions. As we have already seen, the simulation is generally carried out in two stages.

The first step is to calculate temperature distributions and phase proportions over time. For this analysis, the temperature field is calculated using finite elements, while the phase proportions are calculated at the element integration points. Mechanical simulation then uses these results to evaluate displacements (at model nodes) and stresses (at element integration points).

Thermal and mechanical analyses are often performed on the same mesh, but this is not mandatory. In the latter case, a procedure must be used to transfer the thermal...