Welding Distortion Prediction for Multi-Seam Welded Pipe Structures using Equivalent Thermal Strain Method

Distortion prediction of a welded structure is an important way to improve work efficiency and ensure product quality during the fabrication process. Recently, widely used approaches for evaluating residual deformation include thermo-elastic-plastic finite element method (TEP-FEM) inherent strain (ISM). The former can accurately simulate entire welding process with excessive computational time, whereas latter has great potential in fast distortion complex components. In this study, equivalent thermal based on theory was proposed predict multi-seam pipe structures. Moreover, full 3D TEP-FEM model also developed estimate distributions longitudinal (L-seam) circumferential (C-seam) welds. To validate accuracy ISM, predicted by ISM compared experimental data simulation results. It discovered that be welding-induced Furthermore, simulation, significant advantage approach computing increased about 50 times.