The present paper aims to predict distortions and residual stresses in thick plate weld joints of austenitic stainless steel material prepared by automatic hot wire gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process and narrow gap technique using finite element analysis (FEA). The prediction has been validated by carrying out experiments. The variables considered in welding of plate joints are narrow groove configuration, high deposition rate leading to lower heat input (hot wire GTAW), and stress relieving treatment. A suitable stress-relieving treatment has been proposed for relaxing residual stresses and preventing sensitization of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of the ASS weld joint. Predicted and experimental results of temperature distribution, distortions, and residual stresses were found to be in good agreement. The applicability of prediction of residual stresses for higher weld thicknesses has also been verified. The nature of residual stresses across thickness has also been compared with that given in Structural Integrity Assessment Procedures for European Industry (SINTAP) and BS 7910 standards. Details of the above finding are discussed in this paper.

本文旨在利用有限元分析 (FEA) 预测采用自动热丝钨极氩弧焊 (GTAW) 工艺和窄间隙技术制备的奥氏体不锈钢厚板焊接接头的变形和残余应力。该预测已通过实验验证。板接头焊接中考虑的变量是窄槽配置、高熔敷率导致较低的热输入（热丝 GTAW）和应力消除处理。已经提出了一种合适的应力消除处理方法来释放残余应力并防止 ASS 焊接接头的热影响区 (HAZ) 敏感化。发现温度分布、变形和残余应力的预测和实验结果非常一致。还验证了预测较高焊缝厚度的残余应力的适用性。厚度方向的残余应力的性质也与欧洲工业结构完整性评估程序 (SINTAP) 和 BS 7910 标准中给出的性质进行了比较。本文讨论了上述发现的详细信息。