An algorithm for prediction of bending deformation induced by multi-seam welding of a steel-pipe structure

A previous study has demonstrated that welding distortion can be accurately predicted by using the thermo-elastic-plastic finite element method (TEP-FEM) in a steel-pipe joint. Nevertheless, this method still requires excessive computational time. In this study, to overcome this aforementioned limitation, a deformation computing algorithm is developed to estimate welding distortion rapidly and effectively. This algorithm solution process has three main steps. The first step is to collect the weld information. The second step is to calculate bending deformation caused by each weld according to the function of the bending angle. The last step is to make a summation for total welding distortion. However, due to the interaction between adjacent welds, it has a significant influence on the accuracy of prediction results. To improve the performance of this algorithm, a compensation factor has been introduced. Comparing the results of this algorithm with the TEP-FEM analysis, it is discovered that there is a good coincidence. Therefore, it was verified that the proposed algorithm can accurately predict the bending deformation induced by multi-seam welding of a pipe structure.