Welding Sequence Definition Using Numerical Calculation

The welding simulation for a pipe in a hydropower plant was made due to very large dimensions. The pipe is 5.5 m in diameter. The main aim was to predict the welding sequence that will cause no deformation after welding because machining the pipe at the construction site is almost impossible. For achieving distortion in the desirable limits, the welding process was simulated with the finite element program Sysweld. The macro weld deposit methodology was used to minimize the calculation time. Two different finite element models (FEM) were made. Three different welding sequences and clamping conditions were calculated to reduce distortion. The calculation of microstructure constituents in the virtual complex geometry of joints was also analyzed.