A 3D numerical FEM model for the simulation of induction welding of tubes

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present two simulation strategies for tube induction welding process. Coupled electromagnetic and thermal problem is solved by applying 3D FEM models. The resulting power density and temperature distribution are compared.

Design/methodology/approach

FE analysis has been used in order to compute the magnetic and thermal field in a suitable 3D model.

Findings

Two strategies for coupled magnetic and thermal simulation with movement are proposed.

Practical implications

Reported strategies can be used to design tube induction welding devices and to verify the influence of the main parameters of the process, i.e. welding velocity, frequency, specific and total power.

Originality/value

The paper summarizes two different simulation strategies taking into account the movement of the tube through the inductor. In the first strategy, the tube heating is simulated by providing the mean power absorbed by a tube section crossing the inductor. In the second strategy, a spatial translation of the material properties is implemented.

Citation

Dughiero, F., Forzan, M., Garbin, M., Pozza, C. and Sieni, E. (2011), "A 3D numerical FEM model for the simulation of induction welding of tubes", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 30 No. 5, pp. 1570-1581. https://doi.org/10.1108/03321641111152720