A dynamic model of drops detaching from a gas metal arc welding electrode

Abstract

A dynamic model of drop detachment in gas metal arc welding is presented for low and moderate welding currents in an argon-rich plasma. Simulations performed with this model are compared with extensive experimental measurements of constant-current welding images and with limited experimental measurements of pulsed-current welding images. The comparisons indicate that the experimental axial magnetic forces are much less potent than the calculated axial magnetic forces when welding-current transients are not present. To explain this finding the hypothesis that internal flows are able to develop under the relatively quiescent conditions that exist during drop development in constant-current welding is advanced.