3-D FE heat transfer simulation of quasi-simultaneous laser transmission welding of thermoplastics

Abstract

Laser transmission welding of thermoplastics is a non-contact welding process for producing aesthetically and qualitatively high-grade joints with low thermal and mechanical stresses. In this research work, a three-dimensional heat transfer model is developed to simulate the quasi-simultaneous variant of laser transmission welding of thermoplastics. The thermal analysis is implemented to acquire the temperature history in this multi-pass welding process. The transient temperature field is computed using ANSYS® finite element code. The multi-pass movement of laser beam is realized by implementing a subroutine in ANSYS® Parametric Design Language (APDL). The effect of process variables namely laser power, welding speed, number of welding passes and line energy on temperature field during welding is investigated. The predicted outcomes of the temperature profiles, weld pool and time–temperature history are useful for optimizing the process parameters in the quasi-simultaneous laser transmission welding process.