Thermo-Mechanical Analysis of Girth Welding Process on Flange Pipe Joints using Moving Heat Source Extension

Abstract

This paper forecasts the transient thermal temperature history during girth welding with a single pass over the welded area on pipe ASME class 300 flange joints of low carbon steel using the moving heat source extension model. Using ANSYS ACT extension for the model of the moving, heat source is simulated for the forecast of the distribution of temperature over the welded region during the welding process like gas metal arc welding. Then due to the residual stress induced by the thermal load of the welding, heat source on the joints is analysed and then comparison of the various heat distribution by changing welding parameters is analysed for optimal welding parameters to reduce the stress. The analysis was carried out on transient thermal and transient structural processes to predict the temperature distribution and residual stress respectively.