Modelling of turbulent transport in arc welding pools

Abstract

In this paper, we present a modified k-? model capable of addressing turbulent weld-pool convection in the presence of a continuously evolving phase-change interface during a gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process. The phase change aspects of the present problem are addressed using a modified enthalpy-porosity technique. The k-? model is suitably modified to account for the morphology of the solid-liquid interface. The two-dimensional mathematical model is subsequently utilised to simulate a typical GTAW process with high power, where effects of turbulent transport can actually be realised. Finally, we compare the results from turbulence modelling with the corresponding results from a laminar model, keeping all processing parameters unaltered. The above comparison enables us to analyse the effects of turbulent transport during the arc welding process.