Blending Glowworm Swarm Optimization Algorithm with Thermal-Mechanical Coupling Finite Element Model for Optimization Method of Box Structure Welding Technology

Welding sequence is the important influence factor of the temperature field and residual stress and deformation in welding structure, At present, determining the welding sequence is usually based on experience and test method. For complex structure it is very difficult to get the optimum welding sequence. This study is aiming to settle the problem of solving the optimum welding sequence of complex box welding structure. In our study, we take the welding deformation as objective function, and then, associate glowworm swarm optimization algorithm with thermal-mechanical coupling and nonlinear thermal elastoplastic finite element model to optimize numerical simulation, eventually the optimum welding sequence is determined. Optimization results demonstrate that the optimum welding sequence obtained by our method has small welding deformation and little change rate. At the same time, our method is faster, more accurate, more effective than the traditional experience or test method.