Numerical simulation and validation of residual stresses and distortion in type 316L(N) stainless steel weld joints fabricated by advanced welding techniques

Hindrance to weld metal shrinkage by the adjacent base material introduces inevitable residual stress and distortion in welded components. Nevertheless, proper choice of welding process can reduce the magnitude of tensile residual stress and distortion. Here hybrid laser MIG and Hotwire-TIG welding processes are used, which provides sound 316L(N) stainless-steel weld joint at reduced heat input. The numerical modeling and experimental result shows that tensile residual stress distribution is substantially narrower in hybrid laser MIG than in Hotwire-TIG weld joint. Furthermore, the degree of external restraint significantly influences the magnitude of residual stress distribution and distortion. The numerical and experimental results exhibited reasonable agreement. • 11 mm thick Type 316L(N) weld joints were fabricated using HLM and HW-TIG welding techniques. • The IHM and MHM accurately predicted residual stress and distortion in HLM and HW-TIG weld joints. • Residual stress distribution was narrower in HLM (∼22 mm) than HW-TIG weld joint (∼46 mm).