Numerical analysis of multipoint CDW welding process on stainless AISI304 steel bars

Capacitor Discharge Welding is a joining process characterized by high-energy density; it is an electrical resistance welding process, since the heat source is the Joule effect induced by a capacitive discharge at the welding contact zone. The main aims of this work are to introduce achieved technological progresses in the Multipoint CDW applications and to present the developments of a numerical tool to be used for the prediction of the welding condition and the joints final properties.An advanced 3D FEM model has been conceived in order to consider the geometrical complexity of the CDW process applied on circular AISI 304 bars, originated by special multipoint contact profiles; the evolution and influence of the temperature field was studied with accurate simulations of the CDW process.