Beam focusing characteristics and alloying element effects on high-intensity electron beam welding

Effects of focusing characteristics of the beam as well as concentrations of a volatile alloying element in the workpiece on the shape of the cavity produced by a high-energy beam are systematically and quantitatively investigated. The energy flux of the focused energy beam is independently specified by the convergence angle, the energy distribution parameter at the focal spot, and the focal spot location relative to the workpiece surface. Energy flux at any cross section of the beam is a Gaussian distribution. The geometry of the cavity is determined by satisfying interfacial energy and momentum balances. By accounting for beam focusing characteristics, the cavity surface temperatures, depths of penetration, and cavity shapes are found to agree with experimental data. The opening diameter and depth of the cavity depend primarily upon the energy distribution parameter at the workpiece surface for a surface-focused weld t increase in the content of the volatile alloying element zinc in aluminum exhibits a pronounced influence on the shape of the cavity. Formerly Graduate Student, Institute of Mechanical Engineering.