Spectroscopic analysis of the arc plasma during activating flux tungsten inert gas welding process

A-TIG welding has been widely used in the manufacturing fields of aerospace, pressure vessels and ships as a highly efficient welding method. However, the mechanism of the effect of the activating flux on the arc behavior is still controversial. In this work, the spatial distribution of A-TIG welding arc spectra under the action of three types of active agents (fluorides, oxides and chloride) was studied using a spectral diagnostic method. The distribution characteristics of active agent particles, argon and iron particles in the arc were analyzed as well as the arc electron temperature was calculated using Boltzmann plot method. The experimental results shown that the distribution state of different active particles in the spatial of the arc is different. The influence of different active agents on the arc electron temperature in the spatial area of the arc is inconsistent. Chloride can cause a significant increase in the whole arc temperature. Fluoride can increase the arc electron temperature near the anode area. Oxide has less effect on the overall arc temperature.