A general approach based on constrained parameter-optimization for the implicit representation of information concerning welding processes

An analysis of weld morphology which typically occurs in deep penetration w elding processes using electron or laser beams is presented. The method of analysis is based on geometric constraints with formal mathematical foundat ion within the theory of constrained parameter optimization. The analysis p resented in this report serves as an example of the application of the geom etric-constraints method to the analysis of weld fusion boundary morphology where there can be fragmented and incomplete information concerning materi al properties and only approximate information concerning the character of energy deposition, thus making a direct first principals approach difficult . A significant aspect of the geometric-constraints method is that it permi ts the implicit representation of information concerning temperature depend ence of material properties and of coupling between heat transfer and fluid convection occurring in the weld meltpool.