Computer analysis of thermal phenomena and deformation in lap joint welded by a laser beam

Laser welding technology is applied to many types of welded joints. The determination of the influence of technological parameters on the properties of resulting joint is a significant problem for technologists. Numerical estimation of the shape of the weld and its deformation is important in the initial stage of construction design. The paper concerns computer analysis of thermal and mechanical phenomena in laser welded lap joint made of austenitic steel. Three dimensional discrete model of analyzed lap joint is created in Abaqus FEA engineering software. Numerical analysis takes into account temperature dependent thermomechanical properties of austenitic steel. The movable heat source power distribution is modelled using Gaussian distribution. Computational model takes into account the gap between the joined plates. Temperature distribution in analysed joints is presented on the basis of performed numerical simulations. The shape and size of the fusion zone as well as deformation of the joint are estimated.