Current methods of fabrication involving welding usually result in significant welding distortion problems. Thin walled structures are particularly susceptible in the automotive, shipbuilding and aerospace industries. The cost and time required correcting for distortions can be significant (for example in Europe annual estimates are in excess of 100M). This results in reduced competitiveness and the creation of uneconomic designs, which are produced to compensate for anticipated distortions. Low Stress No Distortion (LSND) welding is currently a laboratory based technique for eliminating buckling distortions and reducing tensile residual stresses. It involves local cooling behind the welding torch restricting shrinkage of the weld. The benefits of using LSND include: elimination of rework, reduced fabrication costs, improved joint properties, lower residual stresses, increased manufacturability of lightweight components and a reduction in scrap and recycling requirements. Although highly advantageous, LSND has not been fully exploited, due to practical difficulties associated with process parameter optimisation and shielding of the cooling gas. The objective of this project is to conduct further research in LSND welding with the help of a research Fellow from China. The Fellow will conduct fundamental scientific research to address issues associated with industrialisation of the LSND technique. The project will involve training the Fellow in aspects related to the simulation of the welding process where there is local cooling from CO2 gas. The Fellow will also be trained in aspects of advanced welding equipment prototype manufacture by developing components of an industrial LSND device. The Fellow will also develop a novel shield for preventing cooling gases from contaminating the weld. LSND is already being conducted in the Third country by the Fellow and as such the host institution will develop new skills in LSND welding as a result of this Fellowship.