Tolerance Analysis Considering Weld Distortion by Use of Pregenerated Database

A general and efficient methodology has been developed to analyze dimensional variations of a welded assembly, taking into account of weld distortion. Weld distortion is generally probabilistic because of the random nature of welding parameters such as the welding speed, maximum welding temperature, ambient temperature, etc. The methodology is illustrated by a very simple example of two perpendicular plates fillet-welded to each other. Two steps comprise the methodology: establishment of a weld distortion database and tolerance analysis using the database. To establish the database, thermo-elastoplastic finite element analyses are conducted to compute the weld distortion for all combinations of discrete values of major welding parameters. In the second step of tolerance analysis, the weld distortion retrieved from the database is taken into account in addition to the dimensional tolerances of the parts. As a result of such an analysis, sensitivities of the assembly’s dimensional variations to the part tolerances and weld distortion are obtained, which could provide a guideline for improving dimensional quality of the assembly.