Laser Welding of Lightweight Structures: Finite Element Modeling of a Thin Aluminum Plate
Laser welding is recognized as a high power density joining process. Unlike traditional welding processes where the heat penetration is limited due to the lower power density, laser welding offers a more accurate and less destructive joining method for even hard to weld metals like aluminum. However, distortion is still an issue for very thin structures. In order to optimize the welding parameters to obtain a less distorted shape, it is important to understand how the welding parameters influence the residual stresses and distortion. In this study finite element analysis and a set of experiments are performed to examine the distortional behavior. A thin aluminum plate subjected to autogenous laser welding is modeled using SYSWELD (a commercial finite element package), specifically developed for welding problems. Experimental welding is done using a LENS (Laser Engineering Net Shaping) machine. In this study, the LENS machine simply provides a precisely controlled laser heat source and programmable x-y translation table, to accurately laser weld small aluminum parts. Final displacements at certain locations in the welded plate are measured and compared with the predicted distortions from finite element analysis. Strategies for developing improved models for distortion predictions are discussed.
Laser welding Aluminum Finite element LENS Residual stress Distortion
Yuansheng An Cumali Semetay Herman F. Nied
School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, China, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA, 1(6 Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA, 1(6
国际会议
南京
英文
839-842
2007-10-16（万方平台首次上网日期，不代表论文的发表时间）