Prediction of the welding distortions of butt welded joints using total moments method based on equivalent loads

Abstract

The paper presents a method of predicting welding deformations based on the results of experimental tests of transverse and longitudinal shrinkage, using finite element simulation using equivalent loads. The study also presents angular distortion tests of butt joints and the plate edge deformations resulting from these distortions. The tests were carried out in laboratory conditions for one of the basic conventional welding methods used in the shipbuilding industry, i.e. FCAW (V beveled), for various welding groove geometries. The main difference between the proposed method and other methods using equivalent load is considering the bead shape and groove design with the face and root reinforcements when calculating the moments (interacting in both directions). Good agreement of the results obtained on the basis of the proposed method (i.e. the method of total moments) with the results of experimental studies was shown. The presented method of welding deformation predicting has been verified against the existing method (i.e. Equivalent force method). The usefulness of the proposed method for predicting welding deformations arising during the assembly of the similar joint in another conditions was also shown.