Framework of computational approach based on inherent deformation for welding buckling investigation during fabrication of lightweight ship panel

During the fabrication of lightweight ship panel, thin plates are usually employed and welding induced buckling may be generated, which will significantly influence the manufacturing integrity and performance. Computational approach based on inherent deformation was proposed, and its framework and application were introduced in this study. In detail, typical fillet welded joint was experimentally conducted and its solid elements FE model was numerically examined with experimental validation. Then, welding inherent deformation was evaluated based on computational results; elastic FE analysis with welding inherent deformations as input parameters was implemented to predict out-of-plane welding distortion and critical welding buckling condition. As the practical technique, intermittent welding procedure was employed to decrease the magnitude of welding inherent deformation, and sequentially avoid the occurrence of welding induced buckling. With this holistic investigation, welding induced buckling during thin plate section assembly was represented; critical welding buckling condition and mitigation technique were also demonstrated.