1. The benefits of welding simulation

Welding processes lead to changes in microstructure and residual stresses and distortions, which play an important role in the mechanical strength of assemblies, or in the feasibility of a process. These stresses and distortions arise mainly from temperature gradients and any phase transformations that may occur during the process.

The benefits of welding modelling can be seen in :

• process feasibility studies to identify possible structural misalignments or optimize the welding sequence;

• assessing the mechanical strength of welded assemblies.

The feasibility of a process is judged in terms of residual distortion. Assessing these requires simulations of the entire structure, including all welded joints. The aim here may be to predict possible misalignments...