A Finite Element Analysis of Temperature Profiles and Cooling Rates of ERW Pipes during TIG Welding

The present investigation deals with the determination of temperature profile and subsequent cooling rates of certain points on the external surface of an ERW pipe with the help of ANSYS Finite Element Modeling and Analysis method, under simulated TIG welding conditions. A TIG welding condition for an ERW pipe is first simulated through ANSYS Finite Element Modeling. The physical and material properties along with the dimensions and size of the ERW pipe are all included in the modeling part. The TIG welding arc is simulated as a point heat source of a given power traversing the periphery of the pipe surface during welding. In the ANSYS program, after modeling the TIG welding problem, the same is run in the post – processing analysis part to get the temperature profile along the external surface of the pipe at various time intervals from the start of the welding. The rate of cooling of a few particular nodes on the modeled pipe surface, from the start of welding to the completion of one welding pass is also studied and results are indicated in graphical form. Later, these cooling rates on the modeled pipe surface are compared with those of an exactly similar ERW pipe, physically welded by TIG welding method in the workshop under similar welding conditions and welding parameters.