Numerical simulation of post-weld shot peening using combined discrete and finite element methods (DEM-FEM)

Abstract

The numerical simulation of the post-weld shot peening (SP) process was performed to analyze the influence of various SP parameters on the final induced compressive residual stress (CRS). Firstly, the welding process was simulated based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) using ABAQUS CAE and FORTRAN user subroutine code, from which the initial welding-induced tensile residual stresses (TRS) were obtained. The FE model was validated using the results obtained from the TIG welding of the aluminum 2219 alloy (AA 2219) plate. Then, the post-weld SP process was numerically simulated using the combined discrete and finite element methods (DEM-FEM). The computed CRS from the simulation was compared with the experimentally measured outcome to validate the DEM-FEM model, and good agreement was observed from the compared results. Finally, the post-weld SP model was applied to extensively analyze the influence of the various SP parameters related to the peening media and target material on the final CRS.