A new plan to connect aluminum tubes of subsurface structures

  In this study, a new method for joining aluminum tubes in subsurface structures using steel converting and aluminum welding are presented and reviewed. But near the weld area is under high thermal cycle and will cause residual stresses in heat affected zone. Therefore for assessment of proposed connection from the perspective of residual stress by using the finite element method welding of tubes has been modeled in three dimensions. Thermal history is determined from thermal analysis and then the residual stresses due to welding are calculated. Because of the sensitivity of subject, the simulation process and properties are validated. The mechanical and thermal properties have been considered as a function of temperature. According to current, voltage and speed electrode, heat flux is applied by Goldak's heat source model. The modeling results were good agreement with experimental results and show that the initiative plan can be used to connect aluminum tubes of subsurface structures.