Title: Three-dimensional variable-property modeling of laser full-penetration welding characteristics

Authors: Xiao-Hu Ye, Xi Chen

Addresses: Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China. Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3-D) modelling results are presented concerning the characteristics of heat transfer and melt flow in laser full-penetration welding. The effects of many factors on the welding characteristics are included in the modelling, such as welding speed, Marangoni convection, natural convection, surface heat loss and temperature-dependent material properties. It is shown that the welding speed and the Marangoni convection play critical roles in determining the welding characteristics. Comparison of the present 3-D variable-property modelling results with their 3-D constant-property counterparts shows that the variable-property effects may be quite appreciable. A method showing how to use the modelling results to estimate the keyhole radius or to predict the welding energy efficiency in laser full-penetration welding is described.

Keywords: 3-D modelling; full-penetration welding; laser welding; Marangoni convection; variable properties.

DOI: 10.1504/PCFD.2002.003223

Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, An International Journal, 2002 Vol.2 No.2/3/4, pp.106 - 113

Published online: 19 Aug 2003 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article