A practical approach for simulating submerged arc welding process using FE method

Goldak's double ellipsoid model is considered one of the versatile heat source models in finite element welding simulation because a good approximation for many arc welds is obtained by the nature of the double ellipsoid shape formulation. Simply, the model uses the depth and shape-related information of a weld and utilizes a Gaussian distribution of power density. Definitely more speedy and close weld applications with simple ellipsoid pool shapes can be realized compared to other complex models. However, when weld pool's shape diverges from the shape of simple ellipsoid, as observed in one pass SAW welds creating a crater-finger, it is not right to use the power density distribution function to accurately compute the temperature field. Therefore, a new way to overcome this difficulty is needed for obtaining accurate solutions easily. Thus, in this research, a new practical approach is proposed by using double ellipsoid model with some modifications in modeling to catch the correct shape of the weld pool. Then, the corresponding finite element temperature distributions and residual stresses are predicted for a plate using user subroutines available in Abaqus CAE software and the analysis results are compared with experimental results. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.