Modelling of metal deposition

Modelling and simulation of metal deposition (MD) poses several challenges to the modeller in addition to the usual challenges in modelling of welding. The aim of the work presented in this paper is to enable simulation of metal deposition for large three-dimensional components. Weld paths that are created in an off-line programming system (OLP) can be used directly to prescribe the movement of the heat source in the model. The addition of filler material is done by activation of elements. Special care must be taken to the positioning of the elements, due to large deformations. Nodes are moved to ensure that the added material has correct volume and shape. A physically based material model is also implemented. This material model is able to describe the material behaviour over a large strain, strain rate and temperature range. Temperature measurements and deformation measurements are done in order to validate the model. The computed thermal history is in very good agreement with measurements. The computed and measured deformations also show quite good agreement. It has been shown that the approach yields correct results, providing that flow stress and heat input models are calibrated with sufficient accuracy. The method reduces the modelling work considerably for metal deposition and multipass welding. It can be used for detailed models but also lumping of welds is possible and often necessary for industrial applications.