Numerical simulation of metal transfer process in tandem GMAW

Abstract

A numerical model based on fluid dynamics theory and electromagnetic theory is developed to simulate the dynamic metal transfer process in tandem gas metal arc welding (T-GMAW). The relationship between welding current and surface tension coefficient is modified by analysis of regression in this model. The numerical simulation of the metal transfer process in T-GMAW is compared with that in single-wire gas metal arc welding (SW-GMAW). It is found that a droplet transfers axially in SW-GMAW, but the droplets transfer non-axially in T-GMAW. To verify the accuracy of simulated results, the welding experiments were performed in which the actual metal transfer processes were recorded by high-speed photography. The simulated results are in good agreement with the experimental ones. This transfer behavior in T-GMAW is analyzed by studying the distributions of physical quantities including pressure, velocity, and electric potential of the droplet. The simulated results reveal that the electromagnetic force between two droplets results in the different metal transfer process. With the increase of the welding current, the surface tension coefficient decreases and the electromagnetic force increases. As a consequence, the metal transfer process in T-GMAW is accelerated.