Studies of temperature distribution for laser welding of dissimilar thin sheets through finite element method

Abstract

A three-dimensional numerical model has been prepared for the simulation of temperature profile and temperature gradient in similar and dissimilar laser welding. A three-dimensional Gaussian heat distribution equation for moving heat source with conical shape has been incorporated in the present study. A finite element code using software ANSYS APDL has been developed which takes into account the thermal and mechanical aspect of the materials. Properties of the materials AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel and St37 low carbon steel are taken as temperature dependent in the present simulation, which has great influence on the temperature profile. The laser welding temperature distribution was measured using K-type thermocouples with the help of data logger. A good agreement was found between the numerical and experimental results.