Plasma channel formation for triggering arc welding

Abstract

A method of starting arc welding using a plasma channel formed between electrodes in a tungsten inert gas arc welding system was demonstrated. The plasma channel was generated by gas breakdown in the laser beam path. In a previous study by the present authors, the arc welding could be started using a laser produced plume. Results in the present study indicated that the laser energy required to start the process using the plasma channel was lower than that using the plume.     

Arc heating hot wire assisted arc welding technique for low resistance welding wire

Abstract

An assistant arc was used to preheat the wire for hot wire tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding which was independent on the resistance of the welding wires and avoided the drawbacks of the traditional hot wire preheating method. The new method is suitable for low resistance wire such as copper and aluminium. The experimental results showed that the wire temperature varied linearly with preheating current and hyperbolically with wire feeding speed. The temperature of wires achieved 60% of their melting points when LF6, H90, HS201 and H08Mn2Si welding wires were used at a current less than 50 A. With arc assisted hot wire, the welding deposition efficiency of the HS201 wire was increased by 96% compared with the traditional TIG welding method, while its microstructure was similar to that of the cold wire welding.     

Arc characteristics of laser-TIG double-side welding

Abstract

Based on the experiments of laser-TIG double-side welding (LTDSW) for aluminium alloys, the influence of laser radiation on the arc behaviours of the opposite side was investigated. Generally, with the variation of laser power, there are three typical arc shapes: arc column convergence, arc root constriction and arc expansion. An important point to notice is that the laser keyhole preheating will induce the arc column convergence in the LTDSW. The arc voltage in the LTDSW is lower than that in TIG welding over the entire range of the experimental currents. Moreover, with increasing welding current, the difference in arc voltage between TIG welding and LTDSW is diminished because of the self-stabilisation of the arc burning at high currents. The complex transformation of arc behaviours has a great effect on the arc current density and its stability. The laser generated hot spot or laser induced plasma will have a higher temperature and greater electron density than neighbouring regions, and will offer the line of least resistance or the lowest potential drop. Hence, it is very reasonable that the arc voltage should descend under the influence of laser radiation, and the arc electrons should compress and root to the hot spot or plasma zone.     

Neural network model of heat and fluid flow in gas metal arc fillet welding based on genetic algorithm and conjugate gradient optimisation

Abstract

Although numerical calculations of heat transfer and fluid flow can provide detailed insights into welding processes and welded materials, these calculations are complex and unsuitable in situations where rapid calculations are needed. A recourse is to train and validate a neural network, using results from a well tested heat and fluid flow model to significantly expedite calculations and ensure that the computed results conform to the basic laws of conservation of mass, momentum and energy. Seven feedforward neural networks were developed for gas metal arc (GMA) fillet welding, one each for predicting penetration, leg length, throat, weld pool length, cooling time between 800°C and 500°C, maximum velocity and peak temperature in the weld pool. Each model considered 22 inputs that included all the welding variables, such as current, voltage, welding speed, wire radius, wire feed rate, arc efficiency, arc radius, power distribution, and material properties such as thermal conductivity, specific heat and temperature coefficient of surface tension. The weights in the neural network models were calculated using the conjugate gradient (CG) method and by a hybrid optimisation scheme involving the CG method and a genetic algorithm (GA). The neural network produced by the hybrid optimisation model produced better results than the networks based on the CG method with various sets of randomised initial weights. The CG method alone was unable to find the best optimal weights for achieving low errors. The hybrid optimisation scheme helped in finding optimal weights through a global search, as evidenced by good agreement between all the outputs from the neural networks and the corresponding results from the heat and fluid flow model.     

Prediction of weld quality in pulsed current GMAW process using artificial neural network

Abstract

Weld joint dimensions and weld metal mechanical properties are important quality characteristics of any welded joint. The success of building these characteristics in any welding situation depends on proper selection-cum-optimisation of welding process parameters. Such optimisation is critical in the pulsed current gas metal arc welding process (GMAW-P), as the heat input here is closely dictated by a host of additional pulse parameters in comparison to the conventional gas metal arc welding process. Neural network based models are excellent alternatives in such situations where a large number of input conditions govern certain outputs in a manner that is often difficult to adjudge a priori. Six individual prediction models developed using neural network methodology are presented here to estimate ultimate tensile strength, elongation, impact toughness, weld bead width, weld reinforcement height and penetration of the final weld joint as a function of four pulse parameters, e.g. peak current, base current, pulse on time and pulse frequency. The experimental data employed here are for GMAW-P welding of extruded sections of high strength Al–Zn–Mg alloy (7005). In each case, a committee of different possible network architectures is used, including the final optimum network, to assess the uncertainty in estimation. The neural network models developed here could estimate all the outputs except penetration fairly accurately.     

Keyhole gas tungsten arc welding of commercially pure zirconium

Abstract

Keyhole gas tungsten arc welding (K-GTAW), a novel variant of GTAW, has been used to join commercially pure zirconium. The process enables single pass welding of 6˙35 mm thick zirconium using conventional GTAW equipment and a high current torch, without expensive filler metal addition or joint preparation. The mechanical properties and the microstructure of the resulting joints were characterised. It is concluded that the K-GTAW process, with its high productivity combined with low capital investment requirements, can be successfully used for welding relatively heavy section zirconium.     

Derivation of current density distribution by arc pressure measurement in GTA welding

Abstract

Arc pressure is an important factor in understanding physical arc phenomena, especially its effects on the penetration, size and shape of GTA welding. The purpose of the present study is to derive the current density distribution on the anode base metal from the measured arc pressure distribution in GTA welding using the results from previous investigators. Using the measured arc pressure distribution on the anode base metal in GTA welding from the central part to the circumference and the equations of Lin et al. and Maecker, the current density distribution was derived. Applying the derived equation from the present work, the current density distribution was calculated from the low current region to the high current region by means of shield gas mixing ratio. It is compared and discussed with the practical welding current and the derived current by numerical integration of the current density distribution from the central part to the circumference region.     

Effects of welding parameters on melting energy of CO2 laser–GMA hybrid welding

Abstract

A series of CO₂ laser–gas metal arc (GMA) hybrid welding experiments were carried out on the mild steel workpiece to investigate the effects of the welding parameters, such as laser power, arc current and the distance between laser and arc D _LA, on the melting energy. A dimensionless parameter psi was introduced to indicate the change in the melting energy of hybrid welding. The results showed that with different welding parameters, the melting energy of hybrid welding was changed by the two heat sources (laser and arc) interaction. With an optimal combination welding parameters, psi can be increased up to 23%. Finally, the role of the two different mechanisms in the heat sources interaction was quantitatively discussed in terms of psi. It can be concluded that when D _LA<4 mm, the interaction between the laser induced plasma and the arc plasma dominates the heat sources interaction, therefore the changes of melting energy, whereas the heat sources interaction is only dominated by the preheating mechanism when D _LA≥4 mm.     

The humping phenomenon during high speed gas metal arc welding

Abstract

A commonly observed welding defect that characteristically occurs at high welding speeds is the periodic undulation of the weld bead profile, also known as humping. The occurrence of humping limits the range of usable welding speeds in most fusion welding processes and prevents further increases in productivity in a welding operation. At the present time, the physical mechanisms responsible for humping are not well understood. Thus, it is difficult to know how to suppress humping in order to achieve higher welding speeds. The objectives of this study were to identify and experimentally validate the physical mechanisms responsible for the humping phenomenon during high speed gas metal arc (GMA) welding of plain carbon steel. A LaserStrobe video imaging system was used to obtain video images of typical sequences of events during the formation of a hump. Based on these recorded video images, the strong momentum of the backward flow of molten metal in the weld pool that typically occurred during high speed welding was identified as the major factor responsible for the initiation of humping. Experiments with different process variables affecting the backward flow of molten weld metal were used to validate this hypothesis. These process variables included welding speed, welding position and shielding gas composition. The use of downhill welding positions and reactive shielding gases was found to suppress humping and to allow higher welding speeds by reducing the momentum of the backward flow of molten metal in the weld pool. This would suggest that any process variables or welding techniques that can dissipate or reduce the momentum of the backward flow of molten metal in the weld pool will facilitate higher welding speeds and productivity.     

Improvement of mechanical properties of gas tungsten arc and electron beam welded AA2219 (Al–6 wt-%Cu) alloy

Abstract

Despite its excellent weldability characteristics, AA2219 suffers from poor fusion zone strength under the as welded condition. In the present work, it is attempted to increase the mechanical properties of the as welded fusion zone of this alloy by increasing the weld cooling rates and multipass welding. The cooling rate was increased with the use of high intense heat source, namely electron beam in a pulsed current mode. Multipass gas tungsten arc welding was carried out using direct current straight polarity. These techniques resulted in a significant improvement in fusion zone hardness and tensile properties, which is attributed to reduced copper segregation and natural aging as well as aging caused by heat of multipass welding.     

Development of low spatter CO2 arc welding process with high frequency pulse current

Abstract

Metal transfer phenomena and spatter generation in CO₂ arc welding with a solid wire were investigated, and a low spatter welding process using a high frequency pulse rectangular current was developed. The optimal conditions of high frequency pulse CO₂ arc welding were determined to be a peak current of 450–550 A and pulse frequency of 450–750 Hz. These high frequency pulse currents influenced the droplet oscillation due to resonance between the applied pulse frequency and the natural frequency of the droplet. A droplet was regularly transferred by 9–11 pulses, and the average interval of metal transfer was ～16 ms, which was half of that in conventional CO₂ arc welding. The average droplet weight is 34 mg, showing a large reduction in comparison with that of the conventional method. As a result, the total spatter weight was reduced by 70% in comparison with the conventional method, and particularly large spatters more than 0·5 mm in diameter were reduced from 25 to 3 mg s^?1.     

Investigation into micro-tungsten inert gas arc behaviour and weld formation

Abstract

Current pulsing patterns are defined for the micro-tungsten inert gas welding apparatus developed and are described as: no pulsation (NP), high frequency pulsation (HFP), slightly hybrid pulsation (SHP), and heavily hybrid pulsation (HHP). The characteristics of the microarc behaviour and weld formation are then investigated in detail for these patterns. The parameters and pattern of the pulsating current dominate arcing power and arc stiffness at a given average current, thus affecting arc state and bead formation. The arc image analysis shows that the HFP and HHP arcs can burn more steadily even at an average current of 2 A because of the arc stabilising effect from the superimposed high frequency components. During the on time of the pulse, the state of the hybrid pulsating (HP) arc varies successively from an apple like shape to a cone with an increased taper. Furthermore, this HP arc shrinks owing to the decreases in the peak current and arcing power with increasing frequency of the base pulse, but is still much greater in size than the NP and HFP arcs. Finally, welding experimental results demonstrate that the HP welds are the widest and become narrow with an increase in the pulse frequency, and the NP and HHP beads are somewhat wider than the HFP and SHP beads respectively.     

3D numerical study of effects of temperature field on sensitisation of Alloy 690 butt welds fabricated by gas tungsten arc welding and laser beam welding

Abstract

This study examines the effects of the temperature field on the sensitisation of Alloy 690 butt welds fabricated using the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) method and the laser beam welding (LBW) method respectively. The welding thermal cycles of the two welding methods are simulated using ANSYS software based upon a moving heat source model. The validity of the numerical model is confirmed by comparing the simulation results with the corresponding experimental findings. Agreement is found between the numerical results for the temperature field and the experimental temperature measurements. In addition, it is shown that the LBW weldment experiences a more rapid heating and cooling effect than the GTAW weldment, and therefore has both a smaller heat affected zone and a narrower sensitisation region. Thus, the validity and general applicability of the thermal welding model are confirmed.     

Control of nitrogen content and porosity in gas tungsten arc welding of high nitrogen steel

Abstract

In welding of high nitrogen steel (HNS), it is essential to control the nitrogen content and porosity in the weld metal. In this paper, the influence of shielding gas composition and heat input on the nitrogen content and porosity in the weld metal of HNS was investigated by gas tungsten arc welding. The experimental results indicate that the weld nitrogen content increases as N₂ in the shielding gas is increased in the same heat input of welding. The weld nitrogen content decreases with increasing the heat input for pure argon used as a shielding gas, whereas it increases with increasing the heat input for the shielding gas including some nitrogen. The nitrogen pore can be avoided when the nitrogen content in the shielding gas is <4% in the heat input range of 528–2340 J mm^–1.     

Microstructures of gas metal arc weld metal of 950 MPa class steel

Abstract

The effects of shielding gas composition on the properties and microstructure of single pass weld metals produced by GMA (gas metal arc) groove welding of 950 MPa class steel plates have been investigated. The shielding gas employed was a mixture of argon (Ar) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) (0–25%), and the weld heat input was ～3 kJ mm. With increasing CO₂ content, the hardness of the weld metal decreased from 380 HV to 280 HV, and the absorbed energy of the Charpy impact test decreased from 130 J to 90 J. The microstructures of the weld metal, consisting primarily of low carbon martensite and carbide free bainite, became more bainitic as the CO₂ content of the shielding gas was increased. It was also found that the MA constituent, embrittling microstructure, was formed in the granular bainitic area, the volume fraction of which increased with the CO₂ content of the shielding gas.     

Effect of shielding gas composition on low temperature toughness of Al5083–O gas metal arc welds

Abstract

There is an ever increasing range of shielding gases, which vary from the pure gases to complex mixtures based on argon, helium, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. The commercially available gas mixtures should be considered in terms of their suitability for ensuring arc and metal transfer stability, performance, and weld quality. The objective of the present paper is to study the toughness of Al5083–O aluminium alloy, to evaluate the variation of welding zone toughness as a function of the shielding gas composition and the testing temperature. To achieve these objectives, gas metal arc welding was performed with four different shielding gas compositions (100%Ar?0%He, 67%Ar+33%He, 50%Ar?50%He, and 33%Ar+67%He), and tests were carried out at four different temperatures, namely,+25°C (+77°F), ?30°C (?22°F), ?85°C (?121°F), and ?196°C (?321°F). The welding zone was divided into four subzones for analysis, namely, weld metal, fusion line, heat affected zone, and base metal according to the notch position. Tensile and yield strengths did not show a great effect of testing temperature at +25°C to ?85°C, but increased greatly at ?196°C. Also, strain tended to increase as test temperature decreased. Shielding gas composition does not have a great influence on mechanical properties. The size and number of defects were least in the 33%Ar?67%He mixture. This shows that the higher the helium gas content, the lower the number of defects detected via radiographic inspection. In the impact test, the maximum load was lowest in the weld metal and highest in the base metal at room temperature, and the maximum load and displacement were higher and lower respectively at ?196°C than those at other test temperatures, showing that the lower the test temperature, the higher the maximum load, without any special features related to the phase composition being observed in the load–deflection response. The absorbed energy of the weld metal notched specimens did not depend significantly on test temperature and shielding gas mixture. Conversely, the other specimens showed that as temperature was decreased, absorption energy increased slightly up to a maximum at ?85°C, but then decreased markedly at ?196°C.     

Artificial neural networks and acoustic emission applied to stability analysis in gas metal arc welding

Abstract

The present paper describes the application of neural networks to obtain a model for estimating the stability of gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process. A neural network has been developed to obtain and model the relationships between the acoustic emission (AE) signal parameters and the stability of GMAW process. Statistical and temporal parameters of AE signals have been used as input of the neural networks; a multilayer feedforward neural network has been used, trained with back propagation method, and using Levenberg Marquardt's algorithm for different network architectures. Different welding conditions have been studied to analyse the incidence of the parameters of the process in acoustic signals. The AE signals have been processed by using the wavelet transform, and have been characterised statistically. Experimental results are provided to illustrate the proposed approach. Finally a statistical analysis for the validation of the experimental results obtained is presented. As a main result of the study, the effectiveness of the application of the artificial neural networks for modelling stability analysis in welding processes has been demonstrated. The regression analysis demonstrates the validity of neural networks to predict the stability of welding process using the statistical characterisation of the signal parameters of AE that have been calculated.     

Time–frequency diagram applied to stability analysis in gas metal arc welding based on acoustic emission

Abstract

Time–frequency diagram is applied to estimating the stability of gas metal arc welding process. A methodology has been developed to obtain indexes based on image processing of the spectrogram in order to evaluate the relationship between the spectrogram and the stability of process. The acoustic emission (AE) signals have been processed and characterised to obtain the spectrogram of the acoustic signals generated by arc. Statistical analysis of image generated by spectrogram and temporal parameters of AE signals has been used as a tool to obtain a method for stability evaluation. As a main result of the research, it demonstrates the effectiveness of the application of image processing of the time–frequency diagram for evaluating the stability in the welding processes. The results demonstrate the validity of this method to characterise the stability using the image characterisation.     

Modelling of electromagnetic processes in system 'welding arc – evaporating anode' Part 1 – Model of anode region

Abstract

A mathmatical model of electromagnetic processes occurring in the 'arc column – anode region – evaporating anode' system is presented. The anode region of electric arc with an evaporating metallic anode is described by a model, under which the non-equilibrium near anode plasma containing atoms and ions of the evaporated metal, along with atoms and ions of the ambient (inert) gas, is subdivided into a space charge layer immediately adjoining the anode surface and ionisation region adjacent to the arc column. This model allows determining the potential drop between welding arc column plasma and anode surface depending on the current density and plasma temperature near the anode, as well as upon the temperature of its surface.     

Study of keyhole closure and analysis of microstructure and mechanical performance of weld joints for variable polarity vertical up plasma arc welding process

Abstract

Two technical approaches for keyhole closure were conducted. Workpieces of aluminium alloy 2219 were welded using variable polarity vertical up plasma arc welding technology. Effects of welding process parameters on keyhole closure were analysed. Appropriate technical criteria for keyhole closure in the welding of aluminium alloys (3 or 6 mm in thickness) via the variable polarity vertical up plasma arc welding technique were obtained. Experimental simulation of girth welding (overlap welding) was conducted using the appropriate process parameters for the keyhole closure stage of plate butt welding, and the feasibility of circumferential welding was verified. Accordingly, girth welding of the external tank of a carrier rocket was achieved using the appropriate parameters for the keyhole closure technique. In addition, the metallurgical process and mechanical performance for the single pass and overlap welds were analysed and compared.