Mathematical Modelling of Weld Pool Dynamics of Al/Al2O3 Nanocomposites Produced by Solidification Route

INTRODUCTION:

The focus of present study is to model and validate with the experimentally of the thermo fluid and nano particle dynamics of the molten pool created during an arc fusion welding process of aluminium metal matrix Nano composites (MMNCs). A novel idea has been applied in the weld pool simulations.

METHODS:

The aluminium metal matrix nano composites (MMNCs) has been developed by Padhi et al. using solidification process. The said nano composites are subjected to MIG welding. The multiphase Eulerian granular flow and the heat transfer models have been applied using ANSYS  12 to study the weld pool dynamics where the liquid aluminium alloy is treated as primary phase & nano alumina particles are treated as secondary phase. The temperature distribution and heat affected zone have been studied of the weld pool extensively & validated with experimental data.

RESULTS:

Heat affected zone is not very large compared to the general aluminium alloy welding because of the presence of nano particles. The simulated data obtained is having a good match with experimental data i.e. 6-7%.

DISCUSSION:

Here nano particles play a major role. During welding the nano particles present in the weld pool will not be settled down since the particles are very fine. The welding joints are very strong compare to the general welding as it behaves like composite. This happens because of the Brownian motion of the nano particles in the weld pool.