Finite Element Simulation of Laser Welding of 904L Super Austenitic Stainless Steel

Experiments on Laser butt welding of 904L super austenitic stainless steel was conducted using diffusion cooled 3.5 kW slab CO₂ laser welding system. The weld geometries such as bead width and depth of penetration were measured. The laser welding process has also been simulated using ANSYS a Finite Element Analysis tool. The effect of laser power, welding speed and focal point position on the bead geometry was investigated. The experimental plan was developed based on the Taguchi technique. The comparison of the results of the simulation indicates that Finite Element Method (FEM) can predict the responses adequately within the limits of welding parameters being used. It is suggested that FEM can be used as a tool for predicting the bead geometry at low values of heat input on laser welding.