• CN: 11-2187/TH
  • ISSN: 0577-6686

Journal of Mechanical Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 62 ›› Issue (2): 170-180.doi: 10.3901/JME.260045

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Investigation on Influence of Welding Deformation on Bearing Capacity of Large Thin-plate Structure

LIANG Wei1, LI Xixian2, DENG Dean2   

  1. 1. College of Mechatronics & Automotive Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074;
    2. College of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044
  • Received:2024-12-10 Revised:2025-07-12 Published:2026-03-02

Abstract: Welding deformation not only directly impacts the dimensional accuracy of structural components and diminishes the appearance quality of products, but also compromises the service performance of welded structures. To quantitatively investigate the influence of welding deformation on the load-bearing capacity of thin-plate welded structures, a thermal-elastic-plastic finite element method is developed using the ABAQUS software platform to simulate the welding temperature field, welding deformation, and residual stress. This method enabled the calculation of inherent deformations in typical welded joints. Subsequently, based on the theory of inherent strain, an elastic finite element prediction method for estimating welding deformation in large thin-plate structures with high efficiency and precision is established on the ABAQUS platform. In this approach, the inherent deformation of each typical welded joint within the structure is converted into corresponding inherent strain components, followed by elastic finite element analysis to estimate the overall deformation of the entire structure. Finally, compressive loads are applied to the post-welded structure to examine the impact of welding deformation on its load-bearing capacity. The findings indicate that welding deformation can significantly reduce the elastic stability and load-bearing capacity of the structure. Compared to structures without welding deformation, those with welding deformation are more susceptible to buckling under external loads.

Key words: welding deformation, inherent strain, numerical simulation, bearing capacity, welded structure

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