Development and validation of a GMAW arc model

Abstract

Abstract Gas metal arc welding has become a widely used process in industrial applications. Numerical simulations can be used to investigate and optimize this process. Due to the multi-component plasma in GMAW and the associated physical properties, the modelling of the arc plays a central role. Therefore, in the context of this publication, Hertel's existing arc model has been further developed. In order to increase the self-consistency and thus the versatility of the model, the assumptions used were reduced. To this end, experiments were first conducted with varying experimental parameters. The data obtained from these experiments were used to further validate the model. The model was then developed for a spray arc. Finally, the experimental data were compared with the numerical simulation results of the developed model. Very good agreement was found with respect to the arc power and the voltage drop across the arc.