Using Batch Connection Weld in ANSYS Workbench to Create Different Types of Welds

In ANSYS Workbench, for shell element models, you can connect shell elements using weld elements. This is mainly done through the Mesh > Batch Connection > Weld feature, which supports various weld types and is very helpful for simplified weld modeling and analysis.

Problem Description

In ANSYS Workbench, when working with shell element models, connections between shells can be handled with weld elements, primarily using the Mesh-Batch Connection-Weld function. It allows you to use different types of welds, which is quite useful for simplified modeling and calculation of weld joints.

Method Introduction

For example, suppose you have these two shell plates and want to connect them. You can use the Weld function in the Mesh module.

In Mechanical’s Mesh, first set Mesh Based Connection under Batch Connections to Yes.

Then insert a Weld.

You need to first define the location for the weld. This requires creating line bodies (beam elements) in SpaceClaim beforehand. For details on how to do that, check the article link at the end. Here, we start with the Normal method to create the weld. The weld elements are generated only along the normal direction of the base material surface. This is the most basic and commonly used option, suitable for regular right-angle butt welds and fillet welds, and it offers high computational efficiency.

You can then change Normal to Normal and Angled. This is a combination of standard and angled modeling. The angled direction is based on Normal, including both normal and angled weld elements, but the angled elements are generated only from one side of the normal direction. It’s suitable for single-sided groove welds.

You can also set Angled Direction to Both, so angled elements are generated on both sides of the weld. This works well for double-sided groove welds or welds under complex loading.