Abstract
This paper introduces a new analytical solution to predict the transient temperature distributions in a finite thickness plate during arc welding. This analytical solution is obtained by solving a transient three-dimensional heat conduction equation with convection boundary conditions at the surfaces of the weldment. The heat source due to electric arc is assumed to take a travelling Gaussian distribution. To prove the validity of the model, a series of GTA bead-on-plate welding were performed on a medium carbon steel under various welding conditions. The isothermal lines of the cross-sectional view at various distances from the arc start were examined and compared with those predicted by the proposed analytical model. The results show that the finite thickness solution well predicts the transient temperature distribution of the finite thickness or thin plates with satisfactory accuracy. Due to the simplicity of the solution method, the developed analytical model may be implemented to the feedback control of the arc welding process or to the optimization of the process parameters.