Thermo-Mechanical Modeling of Single Fusion Welds

E. A. Bonifaz
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito-Ecuador

A three-dimensional non-linear finite element model has been developed to analyze transient heat flow, weld pool formation, and local plastic deformation in single fusion welds. The thermal and mechanical calculations were performed using the the Abaqus FEA product code in base of a time-increment Lagrangian formulation. Dilution is accounted into the heat transfer analysis through the thermal efficiency used to quantify the energy made available by the heat source. The heat source represented by a moving Gaussian power density distribution is applied over the top surface of the specimen during a period of time that depends on the welding speed. The mathematical modeling has been investigated with a view to generate numerical data to define an optimum parameter space for an on-going experimental project in the repair of gas turbine components. The size, shape, hardness, strength and microstructure of the welds as a function of the welding conditions is currently underway and will be published later.