Determination through the distortions analysis of the best welding sequence in longitudinal welds VATS electron beam welding FE simulation

This paper presents a detailed finite element simulation of the longitudinal rib welds of Vessel Advanced Technology Segment (VATS) by e-beam welding. Nine different simulation sequences were carried out to explain the different mechanisms that drive the distortions process during welding and to lead to an optimum sequence which minimizes the final distortions. The simulations were used to guide the manufacture of the final sequence of the VATS. Distortion measurements taken after welding compared very well with the simulated results.