Prediction of a transverse shrinkage of butt welded joints in shipyard conditions using the design of experimental approach

Abstract

This paper presents the results of research on transverse shrinkage of welded butt joints conducted according to the principles of experimental design and under production conditions for two main welding techniques used in shipbuilding (FCAW and SAW). Analysis took into account the technological and structural parameters influencing the assembly suitability of a large steel structure. The presented method of evaluation makes it possible to apply approximation formulae to predict transverse shrinkage in real sections of a ship hull. The determined predictive formulae were verified to actual transverse shrinkage measurements during prefabrication of hull sections at a shipyard as well as the equations referring to the analyzed form of deformation available in the literature.