A boundary integral equation technique for the calculation of weld pool shapes in thin plates

Weld pool shapes are computed via numerical solution of a boundary integral equation used as a model for the autogenous full penetration welding of pure materials. Numerical results show that for a given value of the heat input from the are, the latent heat of fusion provides a substantial correction for the shape of the weld pool compared to solutions that neglect the latent heat. Moreover, results confirm that the aspect ratio of the weld pool is larger when increasing either the value of the latent heat or the heat input from the are, and is smaller for higher values of surface convective heat losses. The magnitude of the curvature of the weld pool at the centerline of the trailing edge is increased as the latent heat, the are velocity or the plate preheat is increased, which may promote weld pool shape transition and/or defect formation.