Abstract
A 3D mathematical model is developed to simulate the weld pool development in a moving weld pool of 304 stainless steels with different oxygen concentrations. It is shown that the oxygen can cause significant changes in fluid flow patterns and temperature fields. When oxygen content is <280 ppm, the weld penetration and depth/width ratios increase sharply with increasing oxygen content; positive and negative temperature coefficients of surface tension coexist and cause shallow and wide weld pool. When oxygen content is in the range of 280–500 ppm, positive temperature coefficient of surface tension dominates the flow patterns and causes deep and narrow weld pool. The weld penetration and depth/width ratios remain nearly constant. When oxygen content is >500 ppm, the weld penetration and depth/width ratios decrease again. Vortexes that have different positions, strength and directions may be found in the pool. The vortexes with opposite directions caused by positive temperature coefficient of surface tension can efficiently transfer the thermal energy from the arc, creating a deep weld pool.
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