Prediction of buckling distortion of welded structures

A predictive distortion analysis approach for welded structures is presented. Two-dimensional thermomechanical welding process simulations were performed to determine the residual stress. The critical buckling stress and the buckling mode are computed in a three-dimensional eigenvalue analysis. A technique employing decoupled two- and three-dimensional approaches is used to predict the occurrence of buckling distortion. Experimental validation of the prediction has been carried out in the laboratory. Welding experiments were carried out using welding conditions identical to those in the finite element model. The computational results are then verified by experimental observations.