Numerical Analysis of Laser Assisted Metal Expansion Joint Manufacturing

Abstract. Paper presents numerical analysis of Metal Expansion Joint (MEJ) formation. Numerical simulation of MEJ manufacturing process, based on Finite Element Method (FEM) was presented. Method of novel metal expansion joint production was shown, where mechanical forming was assisted with laser beam surface heating. Material used for experimental an numerical research was austenitic 304L steel. Numerical model of laser beam surface heating with mechanical force applied for plastic deformation of MEJ lens was established. Based on performed thermo-mechanical simulation, numerical analysis of stress-strain distribution was carried out. Simulation results shown concentration of maximum principal stress and mean normal stress in lens crest, stress vectors and displacement maps confirm impact of mechanical force applied during manufacturing on stress results. Authors presents comparison of single lens MEJ simulation results with experimental manufactured specimen based on established assumptions, where good match of obtained results was achieved.