Welding Simulations of Aluminum Alloy Joints by Finite Element Analysis Justin D. Francis Thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering Dr. Eric Johnson, Chair Dr. Rakesh Kapania Dr. Zafer Gurdal Dr. Tom-James Stoumbos April 2002 Blacksburg, Virginia Keywords: weld simulation, GMAW, aluminum, finite element analysis