The effect of the cathode tip angle on the GTAW arc and weld pool: I. Mathematical model of the arc

Abstract

By developing mathematical models for the arc and the weld pool in the GTAW process, the effect of the electrode tip angle on both arc and weld pool was studied. The present paper is concerned with the model for the arc. By applying a variable cathode surface area, the effect of the electrode tip angle (in the range of 10 to ) on the arc properties, especially on the anode current density, heat flux and gas shear stress over the weld pool, was investigated. Comparison of the calculated results with the available experimental data for 200 A arcs of different lengths showed that the model predictions for temperatures higher than 10 000 K are in very good agreement. For temperatures less than 10 000 K, some modifications were necessary to take into account the absorption of heat by the cooler parts of the arc. It was found that by increasing the electrode tip angle, the anode spot at the weld pool surface tended to be more localized. This led to a higher maximum heat flux and anode current density. On the other hand, the gas shear stress increased on decreasing the electrode tip angle.