Velocity and temperature fields and shapes of the fusion zone in welding di
ssimilar metals are systematically investigated Fluid flow in the molten po
ol is driven by the Marangoni force in different directions and magnitudes
on the flat free surface. To interpret clearly without loss of generality,
the three-dimensional quasi-steady welding is simulated by an unsteady two-
dimensional process. Transport process on the maximum cross section of the
molten region (or a cross section of the fusion zone) therefore is predicte
d. Interfaces between immiscible dissimilar metals and solid and liquid are
, respectively calculated by the volume of fluid and enthalpy methods. The
computed results show different flow and thermal fields and molten regions
of dissimilar metals as functions of dimensionless surface tension coeffici
ents, viscosities, melting temperatures, and thermal conductivities of diss
imilar metals and distinct phases, and beam power; welding speed, and the e
nergy distribution parameter The predicted shapes of fusion zones in weldin
g pure irons, and aluminum to iron, agree with the experimental results.