Finite element minimization of welding distortion in dissimilar joint of carbon steel CK4 to stainless steel AISI409

In the present study, the effects of the length, thickness, welding current, welding sequence, holding time in the fixture and similarity of the base metals on welding residual distortion of dissimilar joint between carbon steel CK4 and stainless steel AISI409 were firstly investigated on the basis of a verified finite element model. Then, considering the welding current, fixing time and sequence of welding operation, the magnitude of welding residual distortion was minimized. The results showed that in the studied dissimilar joint, the minimum distortion occurred when the welding current was about 95A; fixing time was 120 sec and symmetric layout was used.