Verification of the welding heat source models in arc welding and hybrid plasma-MAG welding processes based on temperature field tests

Abstract

Hybrid welding processes belong to a new group of welding varieties that most often combine two classic welding methods, such as laser welding with MIG/MAG welding or plasma welding with MAG welding. Modeling of welding stresses in this type of welding requires the definition of a new type of heat source model that combines a concentrated stream of energy with a classic heat source, which occurs in an electric arc. The paper presents the results of temperature field modeling in conventional MAG welding and hybrid plasma-MAG welding. In the first case, the heat source model described by Goldak was used, and in the second case, the Goldak model was combined with the developed rectangular heat source model with a homogeneous distribution. The temperature distributions obtained from the simulations were verified by spot temperature measurements during welding with thermocouples. A fairly good agreement of the numerical analysis results with the temperature measurements for MAG welding was obtained, while in the case of hybrid welding the discrepancies between the modeling and temperature measurements were greater. The results were discussed, indicating potential causes and factors influencing the obtained test results.