1998 Volume 16 Issue 3 Pages 324-331
In the present work, a three-dimensional numerical model for circumferential GTA (Gas Tungsten Arc) welding of pipes with single-Vee groove is developed. It consists of a heat conduction model and a molten pool balance model.
In the heat conduction model, the transient temperature distribution on pipe is numerically analyzed to estimate the molten pool size by using a finite difference method. In the molten pool model, using the molten pool size derived from the heat conduction model, the theoretical configuration of molten pool is calculated in consideration of the balance of gravity, surface tension and arc pressure.
By using the mathematical model, the influence of various welding parameters, such as welding positions and joint geometries, and the influence of arc pressure on the welding process have been discussed. As a result, it is made clear that the numerical model, proposed in the present work, can be available for the estimation of welding process parameters in groove welding of pipes.
