Simulation of Welding for Dissimilar Metals using Abaqus

Welding is the widely used fabrication process for the development of structural components. During the course of welding, high residual stresses often occur. This causes the problem in nuclear power plant components especially where the danger of stress corrosion cracking is predominant. This paper describes the simulation of welding on dissimilar metals, Copper and stainless steel. a welding simulation is developed for dissimilar metals followed by a model for TIG welding. In this work a Finite element model for dissimilar welding of stainless steel & Copper is done. A simple 3D Sequential thermal analysis is done using ABAQUS software. Temperature dependent thermal properties were used. A transient heat load is given representing welding load at the weld joint is used. The outcome of the heat input is nodal temperatures at nodes, heat flux and residual stress. First, two Stainless Steel plates were joined; next two Copper plates were joined and finally a Stainless Steel plate was joined to a Copper plate by welding. At the weld joint parameters such as temperature and residual stresses were obtained and analyzed. This study will provide an insight to the designer for obtaining feasibility of providing such a weld and for further fatigue life studies.