A T-fillet weld is most affected by which type of distortion?

A T-fillet weld is primarily affected by angular distortion, which occurs due to the different rates of heating and cooling during the welding process. This type of distortion can cause the welded components to warp or bend, particularly in T-joint configurations, where one piece is perpendicular to another.

When a T-fillet weld is made, the heat from the welding arc expands the metal, and as it cools after the weld is complete, it contracts. If the contraction happens unevenly, the welded structure may rotate or change angle, leading to angular distortion. This is especially significant in T-welds because of the geometry involved—one leg may shrink more than the other, causing misalignment of the parts.

Understanding this aspect of angular distortion is crucial for welders, as they need to account for the expansion and contraction in their setups and possibly implement techniques such as preheating or using fixtures to minimize distortion.