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Influence of shielding gas nozzle design on power density distribution in low-current TIG welding arcs

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Abstract

Shielding gas nozzle diameter variation and its impact on the anodic power distribution of low-current tungsten inert gas arcs were investigated, while maintaining either shielding gas flow rate or flow velocity constant. In addition, the effects of anode surface condition and flow behaviour type (laminar or turbulent) caused by the shielding gas nozzle applied were studied. It was found that arcs of 50 amperes (A) welding current were highly unstable deploying the conditions used, while increasing the arc electrical current to 100 A led to improved arc stability. As found in previous investigations, non-Gaussian distribution profiles occurred at 50 A, even with improved shielding. The power density maxima were found shifted away from the arc axis.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are indebted to FRONIUS International GmbH Wels, Austria, for the permit to use welding equipment and facilities, as well as for the provision of materials and consumables. Special gratitude is devoted to Mr. Andreas Leonhartsberger for granting unselfish assistance in producing the shielding gas chamber and in conducting the shielding gas flow visualisation experiments. Finally, special thanks are given to the peer reviewers for their careful reading and for raising valuable comments and questions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cranfield University, College Road, Cranfield, Bedford, MK43 0AL, UK

    Stephan Egerland & Stewart Williams

  2. Formerly with Cranfield University, College Road, Cranfield, Bedford, MK43 0AL, UK

    Paul Colegrove

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  1. Stephan Egerland
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  2. Paul Colegrove
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Correspondence to Stephan Egerland.

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Egerland, S., Colegrove, P. & Williams, S. Influence of shielding gas nozzle design on power density distribution in low-current TIG welding arcs. Weld World 64, 831–845 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40194-020-00876-5

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