Integrated model for assessment of electromagnetic force field due to arc welding

Abstract

Computation of the electromagnetic force over a wide range of consumable arc welding parameters is difficult with available models because of the need for experimentally evaluated electrode extension for every individual set of parameters. This becomes more complicated in case of submerged are welding, because the welding arc remains buried beneath flux. This study presents a new approach of integrating mechanistic model of electrode extension with the computational model of electromagnetic force, wherein the apparent electrode extension is obtained by solving the electrode melting rate equation. The proposed approach is demonstrated through a case on submerged arc welding. The effect of current, voltage, electrode diameter, contact tip to workpiece distance and polarity, on the electromagnetic force, is determined and analysed. This investigation shows that detrimental effects of welding electromagnetic force can be restricted without compromising productivity because after initial rapid increase, no considerable change in melting rate is caused by the force under consideration.

Keywords:

• Electromagnetic force field
• Arc welding
• Electrode extension model
• Computational model