Abstract
Arc welding process is widely used for fabricated thin structures in aerospace, shipyard, etc. Welding deformation is undesirable owing to the decrease in buckling strength and injures the beautiful appearance of structures. In addition, it causes errors during the assembly which result in more rework and productivity restriction. Welding deformation is complicated in real structure and is difficult to control. In the present study, numerical simulation by applying finite element has been performed using ANSYS to predict residual stress and cambering distortion in welded titanium alloy sheet. Furthermore, attempt was made to eliminate this distortion by applying dynamic spot cooling source technique behind the welding torch. The computed result revealed that the cambering could be eliminated under proper control of the parameters of this technique, such as the distance between the two sources. Transient residual stress through the thickness exhibit different behaviour and magnitude from that in conventional welding, and its cost is minimised by such technique. Explanation of this minimising mechanism was discussed.