Abstract: On the basis of a similitude method, which is studied to predict welding distortion through the connection of elastic energy between real structure and model, a new coefficient called “geometric factor” is proposed to simplify the manufacture of models. With the modified similitude method, the “thin wall assumption” would be suitable for models which thickness of walls are not proportional to that of real structures. Thus, the new method is more convenient for prediction of welding distortion through models since the design and manufacture is dramatically simplified.

Key words: Geometric factor, Model test, Welding distortion