A DYNAMIC-MODEL OF DROPS DETACHING FROM A GAS METAL ARC-WELDING ELECTRODE

A dynamic model of drop detachment in gas metal are welding is present ed for low and moderate welding currents in an argon-rich plasma. Simu lations performed with this model are compared with extensive experime ntal measurements of constant-current welding images and with limited experimental measurements of pulsed-current welding images. The compar isons indicate that the experimental axial magnetic forces are much le ss potent than the calculated axial magnetic forces when welding-curre nt transients are not present. To explain this finding the hypothesis that internal flows are able to develop under the relatively quiescent conditions that exist during drop development in constant-current wel ding is advanced.