Numerical welding simulation — Execution and documentation

ISO/TS 18166:2016 provides a workflow for the execution, validation, verification and documentation of a numerical welding simulation within the field of computational welding mechanics (CWM). As such, it primarily addresses thermal and mechanical finite element analysis (FEA) of the fusion welding (see ISO/TR 25901:2007, 2.165) of metal parts and fabrications.

CWM is a broad and growing area of engineering analysis.

ISO/TS 18166:2016 covers the following aspects and results of CWM, excluding simulation of the process itself:

- heat flow during the analysis of one or more passes;

- thermal expansion as a result of the heat flow;

- thermal stresses;

- development of inelastic strains;

- effect of temperature on material properties;

- predictions of residual stress distributions;

- predictions of welding distortion.

ISO/TS 18166:2016 refers to the following physical effects, but these are not covered in depth:

- physics of the heat source (e.g. laser or welding arc);

- physics of the melt pool (and key hole for power beam welds);

- creation and retention of non-equilibrium solid phases;

- solution and precipitation of second phase particles;

- effect of microstructure