Numerical Modeling of Fluid Flow, Heat Transfer and Arc–Melt Interaction in Tungsten Inert Gas Welding

Abstract The present work develops a multi-region dynamic coupling model for fluid flow, heat transfer and arc–melt interaction in tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding using the dynamic mesh technique. The arc–weld pool unified model is developed on basis of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations and the interface is tracked using the dynamic mesh method. The numerical model for arc is firstly validated by comparing the calculated temperature profiles and essential results with the former experimental data. For weld pool convection solution, the drag, Marangoni, buoyancy and electromagnetic forces are separately validated, and then taken into account. Moreover, the model considering interface deformation is adopted in a stationary TIG welding process with SUS304 stainless steel and the effect of interface deformation is investigated. The depression of weld pool center and the lifting of pool periphery are both predicted. The results show that the weld pool shape calculated with considering the interface deformation is more accurate.