Particle Tracing for Metal Transfer in Hybrid TIG MAG Arc Welding Process of Interacting Heat Sources

Abstract

Hybridization implies combination of two conventional technologies for the more improved process outcome. Constituents of the participating processes are supposed to interact in a synergistic manner to support the cause. Hybrid TIG-MAG arc welding on the similar lines is based on the synergy in heat source interactions i.e. of the two participating electric arcs. The synergy if achieved enhances the mode of metal transfer the metal joining with higher deposition rates by hybridization. This study is an attempt to investigate the arc synergies by mathematically modelling their interaction for the metal transfer in Hybrid TIG-MAG arc welding by tracing the path of the charged particle in a fluid flow. The study elaborates the devised hybridization technology with the introduction of an indigenous welding fixture. The study also presents a designed experiment for optimizing the arc current balance for maintaining the synergy in arc interactions in terms of the achieved depth of weld penetration. High speed imaging evidences have been collected which vindicate the experimental findings and as well express congruence with the process modelling.