Abstract
The flashing phenomena in flash welding have been investigated using the steel sheets of 1.2 mm thickness in previous studies. In this study, the effects of the flashing variables on the absorbed thermal energy and the situation of the specimen to be welded are discussed. The absorbed thermal energy of the specimen in flashing operation is calculated from the temperature rises of the copper blocks fixed the specimen. The following results are obtained.
1. There is a critical value of secondary no load voltage for flashing that changes remarkably the absorbed thermal energy in specimen to be welded. The decreasing voltage from the critical vlaue results in increasing absorbed thermal energy because of joule's heat in the bridge phase.
2. The critical voltage is about 6 volt under the welding conditions in this study, and also has influence upon the heat affected zone and the quantities of fusion metal on the edges of specimen.
3. It is possible to control the absorbed thermal energy in specimen using the new processes such as voltage waveform control, mechanical or electrical platen control.
