This paper presents a detailed three-dimensional finite element (FE) study to investigate the effect of mechanical constraints on welding distortions and residual stresses in a pipe-flange joint. The FE model of a pipe-flange joint is subjected to sequentially couple nonlinear transient thermo-mechanical analysis to simulate complex welding phenomena. Single-pass gas metal arc welding for single 'V' butt-weld joint geometry of a 100 mm diameter pipe with compatible weld-neck ANSI flange class # 300 of low carbon steel is simulated. Two tackwelds at 90˚and 270˚from the weld start position are modelled. Four different constraint conditions representing the welding of unassembled joints, welding of assembled joints, welding of assembled joints with reflective symmetry and welding of perfectly constrained joints are analysed. To model the constraints and boundary conditions more realistically contact pairs are used between the matching surfaces of different structural components. Basic FE models are validated with experimental data for temperature distribution and deformations. Predicted welding distortions and residual stresses are compared and discussed in detail. From the results, axial displacement and tilt of the flange face are found to be strongly dependant on the constraint conditions. Minimum axial distortion on the flange face is found for rigidly clamped flanges. However, residual stresses have a weak dependence on the constraints set.

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