An Inverse Finite Element Method for the Analysis of Stationary Arc Welding Processes

An inverse finite element computer code was developed to facilitate the experimental analysis of two-dimensional stationary arc welding processes. The method uses transient temperature data from thermocouples imbedded in the solid region of the work piece to determine through a Newton–Raphson interpolation procedure the transient position of the solid–liquid interface and the transient temperature distribution in the solid region of the work piece. The accuracy of the method was demonstrated through comparison with results obtained with a direct finite element code and through comparison with experiments.