Design for Welding in Mechanical Engineering

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Design for Welding in Mechanical Engineering

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Design for Welding in Mechanical Engineering

The development of the fabrication of welded structures into an efficient manufacturing method is largely due to the considerable research work which is been carried out in this field. One of the main tools of the designer, however, is experience, and this can only be gained in the practical application of the results of scientific work. As in all other fields of engineering, the effective combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience will be the best basis for producing good designs.

This book is an attempt to co-ordinate theory and research results with the experience gained in the actual design and manufacture of welded structures as used in mechanical engineering.

Details of specifications laid down by various authorities (British Standards Institution, Institute of Welding, British Welding Research Association, Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, American Welding Society, etc.) have been omitted, as the book is not intended to replace the specifications which must be consulted wherever a design has to be carried out to a particular specification. Where such specifications exist in connection with a certain subject under discussion, therefore, due reference only is made.

An attempt has been made to stress the theoretical and practical factors which might assist the designer of welded steel constructions. Much has still to be learned in this branch of mechanical engineering, and the author is aware that the principles given in the book are far from complete. He hopes, however, that the book will be useful to students and to engineers who are entering this field for the first time. It may perhaps even assist designers who have already had experience of fabrication.

It will be noted that great weight is given to the use of a correct drawing practice in connection with designs for fabricated welded construction. The author is of the opinion that the drawing-office work is the true basis for any production process in general, and for the operations in the welding shop in particular.

Various points suggested in this connection may perhaps be considered exaggerated and over-cautious, but the damage done, for example, by a faulty weld in a heavy and complicated structure may far outweigh the savings gained by omitting such precautions. Some of the suggestions may appear too complicated at first reading ; but much suspicion and prejudice still persists among engineers with regard to welded products, not only so far as their technical reliability is concerned, but also with regard to their economy. If, however, fabricating shops achieve success by the application of principles such as those outlined in this book, the author ventures to suggest that it should not be difficult to destroy the suspicions and to produce technically efficient and economically competitive welded products.

The author is indebted to the firms who have assisted him by the provision of photographs and drawings of their products and who are named wherever their products are shown and discussed.

Introduction
The Materials used for Fabricated Welded Steel Structures
The Welded Joints
General Design Principles for Welded Construction
Detail Design of Typical Part-Assemblies used In Fabricated Welded Construction
Typical Welded Structures
Drawing Practice to Ensure Efficient Fabrication by Welding