Digital simulations of a stationary and a linear weld

A computational model was used to simulate stationary and linear gas-tungsten-arc (GTA) welds and to study the effect of surface-tension as well as arc position. The results show that the surface-tension gradient with respect to temperature is a dominating factor in determining the direction of the convective flow within the molten weld pool. Furthermore, a linear-arc movement leads to a convective pattern, which is different from that of a stationary weld.