Study on Arrangement of TIG Weld Seams of 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy 2023-01-0939

Welding deformation of aluminum alloy is an urgent problem to be solved, it affects the performance and service life of welding products. In this research, in order to compute welding deformation and residual stress, a finite element model of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy was established. The efficiency and the accuracy of the welding residual stress calculation and the welding deformation were significantly improved. By comparing the temperature field and the displacement field of simulation and experiment, the finite element model was validated. Through finite element analysis, Heat input and welding times have important effects on welding deformation and residual stress was found. The welding deformation law and the residual stress distribution law were proposed, after cooling of the welding seams, the plates collapsed to the other side of the heat source along the vertical direction, the welding deformation tendency was heightened by double-sided welding. The relationship between welding deformation and residual stress was found, when one increases, the other decreases. Large deformations are caused by the large heat input of the plate, and the large residual stress is caused by the increase in the number of arc starting and arc endings. According to the proposed welding deformation law and residual stress distribution law, a welding seam arrangement method for double-sided segmented welding was proposed, which could reduce welding deformation by 42%, compared with the commonly used welding seam arrangement. The work of this paper can provide experience for the design of arrangement of aluminum alloy weld seams, so as to reduce the welding deformation and improve the qualified rate of products.