Mathematical modeling and experimental validation of gas metal arc welding of aluminum alloys

Both mathematical modeling and experiments have been conducted on the GMAW of aluminum alloys. Transient weld shapes and distributions of temperature and velocity were calculated by a three-dimensional numerical model. The final weld bead shape and dimensions and peak temperature in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) were obtained. Metallurgical characterizations including microscopy and Knoop micro-hardness measurements were performed on experimental samples. The experimental weld bead shape and dimensions were in agreement with modeling predictions.; It was found that a crater-shaped weld pool was formed as a result of weld pool dynamics. The combined effect of a series of droplet impingements and hydrostatic force caused the fluid level at the rear end of weld pool to vary periodically to form ripples on the weld bead.{09}Also, the high peak temperature near the fusion line caused the HAZ softening. The lack of penetration in the cold weld is due to the lack of pre-heating by the welding arc. Three techniques were then proposed to increase the energy input at the initial stage of welding and improve cold weld penetration. The crater formation at the end of the welding process is due to the rapid solidification of the weld pool. The crater was filled and crater cracking was reduced by reducing welding current and reversing the welding direction at the same time before terminating the arc.