Analysis and prediction of welding distortion in complex structures using elastic finite element method

Abstract

The Elastic Finite Element Method based on the inherent strain theory is used to predict the welding distortion of ship structures. In addition, a method to predict welding distortion of complex structures by using elastic FEM is presented. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a typical case of a ship's structure is examined and the resulting welding distortion is compared to that obtained by using thermal elastic-plastic finite element method.