Numerical Study of Temperature Distributions and Solidification Pattern in the Weld Pool of Arc Welded Plate

Abstract

The study on heat flow in welding is essential as the quality of the weld depends on mainly heat flow through the welded plate. The heat input from welding source flows in a limited zone, and it subsequently flows into the workpiece by conduction. In this study, an attempt is taken to predict the transient temperature distribution and solidification pattern through a numerical model and the associated mathematical technique considering the solidification and heat transfer, of molten weld pool when it is covered with flux and without flux in arc welding process. The numerical model developed in this study solves fluid flow and heat transfer considering solidification and melting phase change the along with natural convection in the meltpool. It was found that the flux is functioning as insulation on the welded pool, hence it restricts rapid solidification and increases the mushy zone width.