one tech learned was to not start at one end of a seam, and weld strait and continuously to the other end as it always resulted in excess stress ,in the panels joined, let me explain the correct process found, let's say we have a 2 foot panel seam to weld first. never design a panel with a sharp 90 degree corner, panels shoulders, or corners should end in a rounded corner of at least a 2" radius on smaller panels, larger panels should end in a corner radius of at least 1/8th of the panel length and yes that will require radiused (X) panels in the corners over the supporting girders behind the panels, and between them in the corners so yes you do increase time and amount of welds and the gussets required but you have significantly increased the overall strength
next let's say the seams 24 inches long, let's say each inch is labeled
a-through-x if you weld in order
a-x you introduce serious stress,
stress that can be avoided and metal fatigue you mostly avoid,
if you change the order you tig weld to,
let's say
cd-qr-gh-wx-kl-op-st-uv-ab-ef-ij--mn this change, distributes the heat stress, more effectively just remember to start and end each following weld about 1/4 inch into or overlapping the previous welds
During WWII, key welding techniques that advanced dramatically were Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG) and Stud Welding. TIG welding was developed for aircraft to weld lightweight materials like magnesium, while stud welding was crucial for shipbuilding to quickly and securely attach various fixtures to steel hulls. These innovations accelerated production for both aircraft and naval vessels, making them stronger, lighter, and faster.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG) when done correctly is generally stronger than ARC welding
- Developed for: Welding lightweight and reactive metals like magnesium used in aircraft.
- Why it was revolutionary: Used a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert gas shield, allowing for high-quality, precise welds on sensitive materials with greater speed and control than previous methods.
- Impact: Significantly improved the construction of aircraft by speeding up assembly and creating more reliable joints for critical components.
Stud Welding
- Developed for:
Ship construction, particularly for the mass-produced Liberty and Victory ships.
- Why it was revolutionary:
Allowed for the rapid and strong attachment of thousands of studs to a steel deck, replacing the slower and more labor-intensive process of using nuts and bolts.
