The characteristics of dynamic stability in aluminium alloy keyhole weld pool flow

Abstract

The keyhole welding process in Variable Polarity Plasma Arc Welding enhances weld quality significantly, yet it introduces pool instability. Dynamic stability is pursued by investigating molten metal flowing within keyholes and their characteristics. Weld pool flow patterns are obtained via particle tracking, while instability characteristics are captured employing a high-speed camera. Analysing directional molten metal flow unveils Convergence and Separation Points in weld pool flow. The latter’s displacement induces weld pool instability, resulting in an increase in keyhole area and a reduction in the pinch angle. The keyhole area signifies pool instability, while the rear wall angle reflects the welding state. These findings provide a theoretical basis for weld control and advance vision-based intelligent manufacturing welding techniques.