Automatic remeshing for three-dimensional finite element simulation of welding Original Research Article

Three-dimensional finite element simulation of electron beam welding of a large copper canister has been performed. The use of an automatic remeshing algorithm, based on a graded hexahedral element was found to be effective. With this algorithm the strongly nonlinear thermomechanical effects locally close to the moving heat source can accurately be modelled using a dense element mesh that follows the heat source.