52 Temperature control stress modelling of a weld thermal simulator

Supervisors:

Mr Ian Brown

Moderator:

Prof Valerie Linton

Students:

Minimum of 2 mechanical/mechatronic

Description:

A weld thermal simulator provides a mechanism for making reproducible metal samples with microstructures typical of those found in the heat affected zone of welds. Consequently this machine is a prime research tool for the production of consistent weld samples.

This project will involve designing and constructing an effective cooling system for the thermal simulator to broaden the range of cooling rates currently available. It is envisaged that the new equipment will also make the sample cooling more consistent.

The cooling system will involve introducing holes into the sample and so stress analysis is required of the sample designs investigated in the project to ensure that the cooling holes do not affect results in subsequent testing.