Investigation on the Dynamic Behavior of Weld Pool and Weld Microstructure during DP-GMAW for Austenitic Stainless Steel

Abstract

The influence of heat and droplet transfer into weld pool dynamic behavior and weld metal microstructure in double-pulsed gas metal arc welding (DP-GMAW) was investigated by the self-designed high-speed welding photography system. The heat input, the arc pressure, the droplet momentum and impingement pressure were measured and calculated. It was found that the arc pressure is far less than the droplet impingement pressure. The heat input and droplet impingement pressure per unit time acting on weld pool were proportional to the current pulse frequency, which fluctuated with thermal pulse. The size and oscillation amplitude of the weld pool had noticeable periodic changes synchronized with the process of heat input and droplet impingement. Compared to the microstructure of pulsed gas metal arc welding (P-GMAW) weld metal, that of DP-GMAW weld metal was significantly refined. High oscillation amplitude assisted the enhancement of weld pool convection, which leads to more constitutional supercooling. The heat input and shear force during the peak of thermal pulse causing dendrite fragmentation which provided sufficient crystal nucleus for the growth of equiaxed grains and the possibility of grain refinement. The effects of current parameters on welding behavior and weld metal grain size are investigated for further understanding of DP-GMAW.