A finite element model of the electrofusion welding of thermoplastic pipes

Abstract

An advanced finite element (FE) model of the electrofusion welding of thermoplastic pipes has been developed using the ABAQUS FE package. The heat transfer analysis is coupled with thermal deformation analysis to include the time-dependent closure of the initial gap between the pipe and fitting. The effect of radial melt movement into the interface is modelled using a new `virtual material movement¿ technique. The predicted results (temperature distribution in the weld region, melt affected zones and gap closure time) are compared with experimental data and good agreement is found