Effect of Welding Sequence on Residual Stress and Deformation of 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy Rectangular Weld Seam

A finite element model was built on the basis of elastic-plastic finite element method combining with thermo-mechannical coupling algorithm, and the software Abaqus was used to simulate the welding of thin-walled 6061-T6 aluminum alloy sections. The effect of different welding sequences on residual stress and welding deformation of the aluminum alloy sections was simulated and the optimal welding sequence was gained. The results show that the maximum residual stress on the weld seam plane was tensile stress after rectangular welding. Symmetry welding could reduce the residual stress of the aluminum alloy sections after welding and enhance the stability of the weldment after welding. Welding starting from a longer path could reduce the welding deformation.