Abstract: The generating mechanism of buckling distortion of thin plates during welding is discussed. The controlling effectiveness of forced-heat-transfer on buckling distortion is conducted comprehensively and the concept of effect of forced-heat-transfer is presented. By using the finite difference method, the evolvement and shape of temperature fields of the specimens is simulated credibly. The key influential factors of temperature field are analyzed. The results of theoretical and experimental research illustrate that the effect of forced-heat-transfer can markedly reduce the residual stress and eliminate the buckling distortion of thin plates during welding by deforming the welding temperature field to lower the level of compressing plastic deformation. The results also give directions for applying the effect of forced-heat-transfer effectively.

Key words: Buckling distortion, Critical-buckling compressing stress, Effect of forced-heat-transfer, Temperature field, Thin plate, Welding