We are pleased to announce the availability of beta version of the SIMULIA Weld Plugin, the Abaqus Welding Interface or AWI, that facilitates the easy setup using Abaqus/CAE of multi-pass welding simulations for both 2-D and 3-D applications.  The first-phase implementation of 3-D welding support utilizes the “chunking” method, rather than continuous moving torch, and employs prescribed temperature boundary conditions to represent the thermal energy input associated with the torch.   The emphasis is on automating most of the repetitive, time-consuming tasks associated with building a welding model in a traditional CAE environment, making the model setup significantly faster.   The tasks supported by the 3-D AWI include weld-bead definitions based on simple cross-sectional geometric entity picks, options for geometry- or element-based bead-chunking in the weld direction, automatic definition of weld passes, steps and boundary conditions for each pass, and set-up of both the thermal and stress analysis models.   

Consistent with our broader vision for weld simulations, AWI is just part  of a suite of advanced capabilities offered by SIMULIA that could be utilized to fulfill the needs of any industry  that has welding as part of its standard workflows.  This includes existing advanced capabilities such as XFEM-based fracture and fatigue in Abaqus, and Isight tool for optimization. 

The beta version of AWI, that works with Abaqus 6.11,  can be downloaded here   (a version for Abaqus 6.12 should also be available soon, so keep checking the web site periodically).  The web site also has demonstration videos that cover all aspects of setting up 2-D and 3-D weld models.  Documentation on AWI can be accessed directly from within the Plugin.   The Plugin comes with example problems that should make it easy to learn how to use AWI to setup weld models.  The beta version is free, though it does require a license key.  If you are interested in trying out AWI and need a license key, please contact the SIMULIA Sales Contact for your institution/organization.