Microstructure and residual stresses prediction after laser beam weld

[JanPipora]

Dear colleagues,

I would like to simulate the laser beam welding with the prediction of the residual stresses etc. as well as the final microstructure prediction. As far as I know, the FEM software Sysweld should be able to do that (but expensive).
Are there also another possibilites, e.g. another software? Is there anybody with experince on this area?

Thanks a lot.

Jan

 

[cbrn]

Hi,
I can only reply for what regards Ansys.
The problem you want to simulate CAN be done with Ansys, EXCEPT the prediction of the allotropic changes.
In fact, there you have to set up a complicated non-linear coupled-field (thermo-structural) analysis where material properties change in function of temperature. For simulating local melting, "death-and-birth" of elements will have to be used.
Definitely a complicated simulation, but really not impossible.
Where is the problem? Here: unless you already have access to Ansys (at least a "Mechanical" license level; even a "Structural" is not enough because of the thermal part), the purchase of this license level is VERY expensive (but you get an extremely powerful general-purpose FEA software).

Regards