Computer modelling of thermomechanical phenomena in pipes welded using a laser beam

Abstract

This study concerns numerical modelling and computer simulation of thermomechanical phenomena accompanying spiral welding of pipes made of stainless steel X5CrNil8-10 using a laser beam. Based on Abaqus FEA software, 3D numerical analysis was performed. Power distribution of spirally moving heat source was implemented into additional DFLUX subroutine, written in Fortran programming language. Thermomechanical properties of steel changing with temperature were taken into account in the analysis. The efficiency of material melting by different welding sources as well as the influence of heat load on the shape of melted zone, deformation of welded pipe and residual stress were examined.