What type of welding distortion is typically caused by rapid cooling?

Rapid cooling during the welding process often leads to the formation of residual stresses in the welded materials. These stresses can result in warpage, which is a change in the shape or form of the material as it cools unevenly. The heating from the welding process causes expansion, and when it cools quickly, certain areas may contract more than others, leading to deformation. Warpage is particularly common in materials with varying thicknesses or properties, as different sections will react differently to temperature changes. The presence of warpage can be problematic, as it may affect the fit-up and assembly of components in the welding process. Therefore, understanding the linkage between rapid cooling and warpage is crucial for welders to mitigate potential issues in their work.