ABSTRACT
The finite element method is a numerical technique for the analysis of engineering components. In this technique, the component is discretized into a number of subdomains called elements which are connected to each other through nodes. The field variable is assigned to the nodes, and the variation of the field variable in an element is defined using an interpolation function or shape function. The shape functions are required for the computation of the distributed heat source as in the case of welding. Using a minimization function for the functional formulation of the governing equation, the governing equation is represented in matrix form, and by solving this equation, the field variables are determined. The procedure is simplified by the use of software like ANSYS which help a user in running the problem without the need to go through the basic steps in the formulation and solution of the problem. The graphical presentation of the results helps the engineer get better visualization of the results.
