A Predictive Technique for Buckling Analysis of Thin Section Panels Due to Welding

This paper presents an efficient and effective numerical analysis technique for predicting welding-induced buckling. The technique combines three-dimensional structural analyses with two-dimensional welding simulations. Implementation of the technique can determine the appropriate welding conditions under which the design critical buckling load is not exceeded. Experimental results obtained from small-and large-scale mock-up panels are used to confirm the predictions of the analytical models, The paper concludes with a study of the effects of heat input (weld size), panel size, and panel thickness on buckling distortion.