Abstract
The process of laser welding of a material has been extensively studied from an experimental point of view and considerable mathematical modelling has been carried out on the cw aspects of the process as well. For a cw CO 2 laser a partially ionised plasma is likely to exist in the keyhole, emerging from it to produce a turbulent plume in which variations of electrical charge density have been observed. The presence of large temperature gradients near the keyhole walls in conjunction with the Onsager/de Groot relations has the consequence that there must be an electrical potential gradient in the plasma and associated space-charge distribution. These effects are analysed and quantitative relations obtained for the case of a steel work piece.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
