COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN OF ELECTRODES FOR MANUAL METAL ARC WELDING

Manual metal arc welding is a complex process involving many variables. This paper describes the development of computer software, based on detailed phase-transformation theory, which allows the theoretical design of primary weld micro-structures as a function of chemical composition, welding current, voltage, arc transfer efficiency, interpass temperature, joint geometry and solidification structure. The application of the software is discussed in terms of electrodes for use in the offshore oil industry.