Line Gauss heat source model: an efficient approach for numerical welding simulation

Abstract

In view of the characteristics of the welding heat source, a new heat source model based on an established Gauss model, termed the line Gauss heat source, is developed to improve calculation efficiency. A typical welding process is simulated using both Gauss and line Gauss source models. The results show that using the new model, analysis time can be reduced greatly while high precision is maintained, and this method renders three-dimensional simulation of some real welding structures containing long welds practical. The cutting processes for the side plate of a bridge crane beam are simulated using the line Gauss source model, and the results agree fairly well with real measurements.