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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
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Finite element modeling of laser welding induced distortion due to initial residual stresses

Author

Term

4. term

Publication year

2020

Submitted on

Pages

53

Abstract

This thesis examines whether pre-existing residual stresses influence the distortion induced by laser beam welding. While laser welding generally involves lower heat input and reduced distortion compared with conventional processes, localized heating and non-uniform cooling still generate complex stress fields. To assess the role of prior stresses, a thermo-elasto-plastic finite element model based on thermal conduction is developed. Initial residual stresses are introduced by simulating three-point bending into the plastic regime followed by springback, after which laser welding is modeled to join two EN‑1.4301 stainless steel sheets (1.5 mm). The study compares structures with and without initial stresses and uses two weld paths (along the inner and outer lines of the bent geometry) to evaluate their effects on final distortion. The numerical results indicate that the initial residual stresses have little to no effect on post-weld distortion in the cases analyzed.

Denne afhandling undersøger, om restspændinger, der opstår før svejsning, påvirker den deformation (forvrængning), som induceres af lasersvejsning. Udgangspunktet er, at lasersvejsning giver mindre varmeinput og typisk mindre forvrængning end konventionelle processer, men at lokale opvarmnings- og afkølingsforløb stadig skaber komplekse spændingsfelter. For at belyse sammenhængen er der udviklet en termo‑elasto‑plastisk finittelementmodel baseret på varmekonduktion. Initiale restspændinger fremstilles ved at simulere trekspunktbøjning af en plade til plastisk deformation efterfulgt af springback, hvorefter en lasersvejsning modelleres for at sammenføje to EN‑1.4301 rustfri stålplader (1,5 mm). Der gennemføres sammenligninger mellem strukturer med og uden initiale spændinger samt med to svejselinjeforløb (langs indersiden og ydersiden af den bøjede geometri) for at vurdere effekten på den endelige forvrængning. De numeriske resultater viser, at de initiale restspændinger har ringe eller ingen indvirkning på den efterfølgende svejsningsinducerede forvrængning i de undersøgte tilfælde.

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