Model for Numerical Simulation of Temperature Field and Bead Profile in Hybrid Laser-Arc Welding of T-Joint

Abstract

The development and implementation of automated and robotic welding production lines is an urgent task of the last decade. The wide application of hybrid laser-arc welding (HLAW) is difficult due to sensitivity to changes in a large number of process parameters, as well as fluctuations in gap between welded edges and to the edge preparation quality. The need to solve these problems has led to the development of methods and algorithms for the numerical simulation of the HLAW. The developed mathematical model is able to predict effects of process parameters and heat flux distribution of the hybrid heat source on the formation of the surface of weld bead and temperature field in welded joint. The model is divided into the following sub-models: wire melting; heat conduction in the molten pool and the substrate; formation of the surface of the weld. Comparison of the calculated and experimental data of melting rate of the electrode wire and the formation of welded joints during HLAW of T-joint showed good agreement. The effect of fluctuations in the process parameters on the quality of welded joints was established by simulation.