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Effects of current pulsation at ultra-high frequency on physical aspects of the arc and its implications in the weld bead morphology in the GTAW process

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Abstract

Advances in the dynamic response of welding power sources have allowed the use of pulsed current at frequencies above 20 kHz. However, the effects of pulsing the welding current at these high-frequency levels are not well known, especially those associated with the voltaic arc. Thus, the aim of this study was to carry out experimental research on a pulsating welding current at ultra-high frequencies focusing on two important voltaic arc parameters in gas tungsten arc welding processes: arc voltage and arc stagnation pressure. The tests were performed with a welding current pulsed at frequencies of 20 to 80 kHz and amplitudes of 0 to 50 A. The results indicated that pulsing the current at ultra-high frequencies leads to a reduction in the average arc voltage, increasing the stagnation pressure and the arc constriction. Regarding the weld bead dimensional aspects, greater values of width and penetration were obtained when the high-frequency current pulsation was applied.

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Funding

The authors are grateful to the POSMEC - Graduate Program in Mechanical Engineering of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, the Welding Technology Laboratory (LTS) of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC - Technological Center of Joinville), the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), and the company IMC Soldagem for supporting of this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Technological Center of Joinville, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Dona Francisca, 8300 – Block U. Zona Industrial Norte, Joinville, SC, 89.219-600, Brazil

    Tiago Vieira da Cunha

  2. Technological Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Delfino Conti, s/n. Trindade, Florianópolis, SC, 88.040-900, Brazil

    Carlos Enrique Niño Bohórquez

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  1. Tiago Vieira da Cunha
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  2. Carlos Enrique Niño Bohórquez
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Correspondence to Tiago Vieira da Cunha.

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Recommended for publication by Commission XII - Arc Welding Processes and Production Systems

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da Cunha, T.V., Bohórquez, C.E.N. Effects of current pulsation at ultra-high frequency on physical aspects of the arc and its implications in the weld bead morphology in the GTAW process. Weld World 65, 251–261 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40194-020-01016-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40194-020-01016-9

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