A numerical and experimental study of welding temperature distribution and residual stresses in thick welded plates of SA738Gr.B was conducted. Within the framework of numerical investigations, the temperature field of SA738 thick plate welding was simulated and analysed by using 2-D modelling technology. The temperature field was checked by using the thermal cycle curve with the aim of increasing the computational accuracy and efficiency, and the temperature field was verified by using the thermal cycle curve and heat affected zone. The welding stress field was analysed based on the temperature field, and the indentation test method was used to verify the stress field, and the error was controlled to within 12.5%. With the help of a welding model established for SA738Gr.B thick-plate welding the sequence was simulated. Seen from welding sequence 1 to welding sequence 3, transverse stress S11 changed significantly, decreasing by 14% and 17% respectively, adjusting the welding sequence can reduce welding residual stresses.
Keywords: 2-D model; SA738GR.B; heat source; residual stresses; thick welded plates.