Exploring the trends in flux-cored arc welding: scientometric analysis approach

Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) is a universal group of welding methods in terms of the scope of application and automation possibilities, the share of which in various industries in many countries is still increasing. The paper presents the results of bibliographic analyses (scientometric analysis with the use of VOSviewer, Bibliometrix and CitNetExplorer tools) of a data set of 993 publications indexed in the Web of Science database on the subject of FCAW for all types of flux-cored wires. An objective and unbiased approach to analysis resulted in a relatively neutral assessment of the state of knowledge in the field of FCAW and allowed for the identification of research directions carried out in the world, the dynamics of their changes as well as research gaps and needs. The scientometric analysis approach provided a holistic picture of the development of FCAW over the last 58 years, pointing to the geographical areas where this process has been and is most intensively researched, the agencies funding this research, the most active research teams, as well as the journals that have most often published articles on this topic. The most current research directions in relation to FCAW include underwater welding, hardfacing and cladding purposes, health and safety issues, and more general topic: properties and weldability of ferrous alloys. However, among the most urgent research needs the following topics: fatigue analysis of welded joints, environmental degradation of flux-cored wires, properties and weldability of nickel alloys, development of hybrid and combined welding procedures can be listed.