Numerical investigation of droplet impact on the welding pool in gas metal arc welding

A transient three‐dimensional model that describes physical phenomena inside a welding pool during gas–metal arc welding process is presented. The model considers such phenomena as heat‐mass transfer, electromagnetics, hydrodynamic processes and deformation of the weld pool free surface. The fluid flow in the weld pool is induced due to the presence of the mechanical impact of the droplets, thermo‐capillary surface tension, thermal buoyancy and electromagnetic forces. The weld pool surface deformation is calculated by considering arc pressure and droplet impact force. A comparative analysis of the impact of the electric current of the welding arc and different force factors causing the motion of liquid metal in the weld pool on the shape of the welded seam was carried out and discussed.