Investigation of Buckling Deformation of Thin Plate Welded Structures

Abstract

Buckling produced during the assembly process is the most critical mode of welding deformation for the thin plate welded structures. In this study, the behavior of buckling deformation has been investigated utilizing computational welding mechanics. The computational approach consists of two steps; a 3D Thermal-Elastic-Plastic FEA to evaluate inherent deformation, and an elastic analysis based on the Inherent Strain/Deformation Method. Based on the computational results, the phenomenon of buckling deformation can be clearly explained. Using the same method, the line heating process is simulated to control and reduce the welding-induced buckling deformation.