Simulation on the thermal cycle of a welding process by space–time convection–diffusion finite element analysis

• Published in: International journal of thermal sciences 2009-05, Vol.48 (5), p.936-947
• Main Authors: Wang, Shaodong, Goldak, John, Zhou, Jianguo, Tchernov, Stanislav, Downey, Dan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Convection–diffusion; Eulerian; Exact sciences and technology; Finite element method; Other topics in thermal properties of condensed matter; Physics; Space–time; Thermal cycle; Thermal properties of condensed matter; Welding
• ISSN: 1290-0729; 1778-4166
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2008.07.007

Welding plays an important role in manufacturing. But difficulties still exist for simulation of the welding process of large welded structures, due to the limitation of computer capacity, mathematical models and software. This paper is devoted to developing an algorithm that tries to simulate the thermal cycle during welding efficiently and accurately. A space–time finite element method (FEM) is proposed to solve the transient convection–diffusion thermal equation. The method has been applied to the steady-state thermal analysis of welds. A moving coordinate frame (Eulerian frame), in which the heat source is stationary, is used to improve the spatial resolution of a numerical analysis for the thermal cycle of welds effectively, as well as to incorporate the addition of the filler metal naturally. This method is suitable for the thermal analysis in the weld pool or/and weld joint region including starting and stopping transients.