The Effect of Physical Properties on Welding Induced Distortion in Dissimilar Steel Lap Joint

Welding of stainless steel with medium carbon steel is required where a certain part of the assembly needs to be protected from corrosion. Distortion produced during the welding of dissimilar steel joints causes an assembly fit-up problem. In order to predict and control distortion, welding simulations are performed using finite element analysis. In this research welding simulation of ASTM A36 medium carbon steel with AISI 430 stainless steel is performed in lap joint weld configuration. The effect of thermal and mechanical properties on welding induced distortion is studied. It is concluded in this research that the difference in thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion is the major contributor to welding induced distortion. The optimum weld parameters should be selected to control and mitigate distortion produced during welding.