Numerical modelling of welding Original Research Article

The paper describes the application of the finite element method to predict the thermal, material and mechanical effects of welding; Computational Welding Mechanics (CWM). The most common numerical approach used in CWM is only described shortly. The paper focuses on different modelling aspects. The most important modelling issues are the models for heat input and material behaviour. Finally, some recent applications are reviewed and future developments are discussed.