Prediction and Control of Distortion and Residual Stresses in Electron Beam Welding

Electron beam welding is recognized as an attractive method for minimizing distortion during welding,and is used frequently to join parts which are already finally machined or close to finished size.In such cases,before EB welding,it is of great value to be able to estimate the level of accuracy that will be achieved and the dimensional stability of the assembly throughout its service life.This presentation describes the development of a finite element (FE) modelling technique,validated by experiment,for predicting and understanding the development of residual stresses and distortion during EB welding,particularly in circular components.The use of this method for optimization of welding procedures and residual stress mitigation methods is described and illustrated through a number of practical examples.