Abstract: The prediction method based on inherent strain theory has been regarded as an effective way to estimate welding deformation for large and complex structures.However,when this method is used to simulate welding deformation in a large or complex structure,the values of inherent deformations in each typical joint must be known beforehand.In the present study, based on the combination of experiental mensurement and numerical simulation,a new inverse analysis method was proposed to obtain the inherent deformations for T-fillet welded joints.By using the inherent deformation obtained by the proposed method, the welding distortion in a low carbon steel T-joint was predicted by means of a forward elastic finite analysis based on inherent strain theory.Through comparing the simulated results and the measured data,the prediction accuray and effectiveness of the inverse analysis method were verifed.