Weld metal composition change during conduction mode laser welding of aluminum alloy 5182

H. Zhao, T. Debroy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

196 Scopus citations

Abstract

Selective vaporization of volatile elements during laser welding of automotive aluminum alloys affects weld metal composition and properties. An experimental and theoretical study was carded out to seek a quantitative understanding of the influences of various welding variables on vaporization and composition change during conduction mode laser welding of aluminum alloy 5182. A comprehensive model for the calculation of vaporization rate and weld metal composition change was developed based on the principles of transport phenomena, kinetics, and thermodynamics. The calculations showed that the vaporization was concentrated in a small high-temperature region under the laser beam where the local vapor pressure exceeded the ambient pressure. The convective vapor flux driven by the pressure gradient was much higher than the diffusive vapor flux driven by the concentration gradient. The computed weld pool geometry, vaporization rates, and composition changes for different welding conditions agreed well with the corresponding experimental data. The good agreement demonstrates that the comprehensive model can serve as a basis for the quantitative understanding of the influences of various welding variables on the heat transfer, fluid flow, and vaporization occurring during conduction mode laser welding of automotive aluminum alloys.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)163-172
Number of pages10
JournalMetallurgical and Materials Transactions B: Process Metallurgy and Materials Processing Science
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2001

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Metals and Alloys
  • Materials Chemistry

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