Simulation of Weld Pool Dynamics and Subsequent Thermal Stress Analysis of Welded Joint Under Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

Thermal stresses in the weldment influence the load carrying capacity of the welded structure and have significant practical implications. Various welding parameters (like, welding speed, current, surfactant activity, etc.) influence the weld pool dynamics, which in turn affect the thermal history of the workpiece. Hence, the complete weld pool dynamics need to be considered for predicting an accurate thermal profile in the welded structure before a thermal stress analysis is conducted. In this study, the thermal profile created due to fluid flow, heat transfer and phase change during Gas Tungsten Arc (GTA) welding is incorporated in conducting a thermal stress analysis of the welded workpiece. The effect of preheat on the developed thermal stresses is also analyzed.