Influence of alloying elements on process dynamics during laser deep penetration welding

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Frank Vollertsen
• Subject Area: Production Automation and Assembly Technology ; Metallurgical, Thermal and Thermomechanical Treatment of Materials
• Term: from 2017 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 331107213

Alloying elements in materials can significantly influence the material properties of the base material. In laser deep penetration welding the surface tension and its temperature dependent gradient as well as the vapor pressure and the viscosity of the melt mainly influence the melt pool behavior and also directly the keyhole. Keyhole dynamics and formation of defects are affected by material properties and therefore by alloying elements. Limited research has been done to find out about these correlations which would help getting a better knowledge about the complex process and could offer a possibility to influence the process behavior and welding defects by alloying element design.Therefore, the aim of the project is to understand the influence of material properties affected by alloying elements on the spatter formation during laser deep penetration welding of aluminum. The challenge is to determine spatter characteristics (size, speed and direction) depending on the point of origin and their frequency distribution. The deep alloying process can be used to produce a homogeneous pre distribution of the alloyed elements in the aluminum sheet. These deep alloyed areas can be used as the base material for subsequent bead on plate welding experiments. Spatter characteristics and their points of origin are observed during welding depending on the alloying elements.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants