Transient finite element analysis of ultrasonic welding of PEEK

Finite element method was adopted to investigate the temperature profile during ultrasonic welding of PEEK （polyetheretherketone ）. The comparison of temperature fields was made among the triangular, semicircular and rectangular energy directors. The results show that the highest temperature appears on the sample surfaces in the welding interface. For triangular and semicircular energy directors, the gradient of their temperature fields become larger with welding amplitude increasing, and the temperature decreases along the normal line of surface. The melting point can be rapidly reached before large scale plastic deformation occurs as welding amplitude exceeds 25 μm for triangular energy and 35 μm for semicircular energy director. But for the rectangular energy director, its temperature field is dispersed even under 35μm welding amplitude.