A Welding Simulation of Dissimilar Materials SS304 and Copper

A welding simulation is developed for dissimilar metals followed by a mathematical model for laser beam welding. In this work a Finite element model for dissimilar welding of 304 steel & Copper is done. A simple 3D Sequential thermal followed by structural analysis is done using Ansys software. Temperature dependent thermal and structural properties were used. A static heat load is given representing welding load at the weld joint, Gaussian heat flux distribution is used. The outcome of the heat input is temperature field structural deformation and residual stress formation. First, two like SS plates were joined; next two Copper plates were joined and finally a SS plate was joined to a Copper plate by welding. At the weld joint parameters such as temperature, distortion and residual stresses were obtained and analysed. This study will provide an insight to the designer for obtaining feasibility of providing such a weld and for further fatigue life studies.