Análise numérica das distorções em soldas de topo do aço estrutural naval via elementos finitos

Abstract

In this research, one of the alternatives for evaluating welding distortions was to use computer simulation. A numerical analysis was then developed to determine the transverse distortion field in welded joints. The numerical simulations were carried out using commercial software, ANSYS Workbench, based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). Input parameters were entered, such as: current, voltage, welding speed and initial temperature of the virtual plate. The simulations used a virtual ASTM A36 steel plate welded using the Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) process. The influence of the geometry of the “V” and “U” bevel types on the thermal efficiency of welding, restrictions on plate distortions and heat input were verified. Although these initial simulations are qualitatively comparative, they have been validated on the basis of results from the literature, i.e. they are of quantitative importance. However, only specific results were verified that presented possibilities for combining butt joints and heat sources in structural steel. It was therefore essential to establish a sequential analysis method for adjusting the model, which would provide the main characteristics of a welding process (heat source, joint geometry, the thermodependent properties of A36 steel). The results of the analysis showed good approximation and agreement with the literature analyzed for both the temperature and deformation fields.