Parametric Modeling of Welding Processes Using Numerical-Analytical Basis Functions and Equivalent Source Distributions

Abstract

A general methodology for inverse thermal analysis of steady-state energy deposition in plate structures, typically welds, is extended with respect to its formulation. This methodology is in terms of numerical-analytical basis functions, which provide parametric representations of weld-temperature histories that can be adopted as input data to various types of computational procedures, such as those for prediction of solid-state phase transformations and mechanical response. The extension of the methodology presented here concerns construction of numerical-analytical basis functions and their associated parameterizations, which permit optimal and convenient parameter optimization with respect to different types of weld-workpiece boundary conditions, energy source characteristics, and experimental measurements adoptable as weld-temperature history constraints. Prototype inverse thermal analyses of a steel weld are presented that provide proof of concept for inverse thermal analysis using these basis functions.