Numerical Analysis of Deformations in Sheets Made of X5CRNI18-10 Steel Welded by a Hybrid Laser-arc Heat Source

AbstractThe laser-arc hybrid welding is widely used in many industries through the combination of advantages found in welding technologies used in this single process. A significant issue is the determination of the influence of heat source power distribution on welding deformations generated at the interface of joined elements and adjacent zones. Numerical estimation of welding deformations is very important and allows for the proper selection of technological parameters as well as the prediction of welded joints quality. This work concerns numerical simulation of thermomechanical phenomena in hybrid welding of sheets made of X5CRNI18-10 steel using laser beam and electric arc heat sources. Three dimensional discrete model is created in Abaqus FEA in order to estimate welding deformations generated by temperature field in the joint. Additional numerical subroutine is created in Abaqus/Standard module in which the distribution of movable hybrid heat source is implemented. The shape and size of the fusion zone is determined on the basis of numerically obtained temperature field as well as welding deformations occurring in hybrid butt-welded joints