Y. Chen, Y. Y. Wang, Center for Reliable Energy Systems, Dublin, OH
Mechanized gas-metal arc welding with narrow groove has been gaining popularity in high-strength pipeline construction because of its high productivity and the less amount of distortion induced during the welding process. Accurate calculations of both thermal cycles and microstructure properties both in the weld metal and the HAZ are needed for the optimization of the multi-pass welding process. In the finite element model, special attention is paid to the narrow groove, the thermal boundary conditions inside the grove, oscillation of the electrode, and the inter-pass temperatures. The effects of these factors on the cooling rates in weld metal and HAZ and the penetration on the side wall are investigated numerically.
Summary: This work presents a heat transfer analysis for GMAW with narrow groove. The finite element model considers the unique features in the multi-pass welding process, such as its high arc efficiency, electrode oscillation, and surface radiation,etc.
