Heat source models for numerical simulation of laser welding processes – a short review

Abstract

In recent decades, numerical modeling and computer simulation have become an integral part of the design, analysis and optimization of fusion welding processes, including laser welding. In general, laser welding processes involve the interaction of multiple physical phenomena, such as thermal, fluid, metallurgical, chemical, mechanical, and diffusion effects, which makes the development of a simulation model difficult and complex. In addition to the geometric characteristics of the parts to be welded, their material properties must be specified in a wide temperature range, as well as the conditions for heat removal to the environment or shielding gas. One of the most complex tasks in the preparation of a simulation model of the laser welding processes consists in the selection of an appropriate heat source model to accurately determine the heat input to the weld. Very important is also the process of experimental verification and validation of the developed simulation models. In this paper, a short examination of significant mathematical heat source models for numerical simulation of laser welding is provided. Numerical analysis of laser welding of sheets made of S650MC steel is accomplished using conical 3D heat source model with the support of the ANSYS code. The effect of geometrical characteristics of the conical volumetric heat source model on the computed width, length, and depth of the weld pool is discussed, along with evaluation of maximum weld pool temperature.