Adaptive volumetric heat source models for laser beam and laser + pulsed GMAW hybrid welding processes

Laser + pulsed gas metal arc welding (GMAW) hybrid welding process is an attractive joining technology in industry due to its synergy of the two processes. It is of great significance to conduct fundamental investigations involving mathematical modeling and understanding of the hybrid welding process. In this study, an adaptive heat source model is first developed for laser beam welding. Through combining the ray-tracing method with the keyhole profile determination technique based on the local energy balance, the keyhole shape and size are calculated and correlated to the distribution parameters of the volumetric heat source model. Then, thermal action characteristics in laser + pulsed GMAW hybrid welding are considered from viewpoint of macro-heat transfer, and a combined volumetric heat source model for hybrid welding is developed to take consideration of heat input from laser, pulsed gas metal arc, and overheated droplets. Numerical analysis of thermal conduction in hybrid welding is conducted. The shape and size of fusion zone and weld dimension in the quasi-steady state are calculated for various hybrid welding conditions, which have a fair agreement with the experimental results.