Modelling and observation of laser welding: The effect of latent heat

The two-dimensional modelling of the laser welding process is discussed. The simulation model takes into account the heat balance and fluid dynamics. The melt front is described by a ”simplified melt front model”, taking latent heat into account. The numerical solution method is based on the finite element method, using FEMLAB™ as a basic code. Preliminary results are compared with experimental camera observations. The inclusion of latent heat into the model is shown to be of considerable importance with respect to both meltpool dimensions and meltpool shape. The latent heat causes the meltpool to close in a V-shape, leaving a clear V-shape pattern on the melt bead. This effect has also been demonstrated in the experimental observations with a CMOS camera.The two-dimensional modelling of the laser welding process is discussed. The simulation model takes into account the heat balance and fluid dynamics. The melt front is described by a ”simplified melt front model”, taking latent heat into account. The numerical solution method is based on the finite element method, using FEMLAB™ as a basic code. Preliminary results are compared with experimental camera observations. The inclusion of latent heat into the model is shown to be of considerable importance with respect to both meltpool dimensions and meltpool shape. The latent heat causes the meltpool to close in a V-shape, leaving a clear V-shape pattern on the melt bead. This effect has also been demonstrated in the experimental observations with a CMOS camera.