The relation between magnesium evaporation and laser absorption and weld penetration in pulsed laser welding of aluminum alloys: Experimental and numerical investigations

Zeinab Malekshahi Beiranvand, Farshid Malek Ghaini, Homam Naffakh Moosavy, Mohsen Sheikhi, Mohammad Javad Torkamany, Mahmoud Moradi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Citations (Scopus)
147 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

It is observed that in laser welding of aluminum alloys, magnesium can evaporate, and the weld penetration is dependent on Mg content of the alloy and Mg loss from the weld pool. In this research, it is proposed that the presence of Mg not in the base metal alloy, but rather the presence of Mg vapor in the plasma plume over the weld pool affects the laser absorption, and it is through this phenomenon that the weld profile and penetration is affected. Numerical simulation was performed to determine the relationship between the weld profile to estimate the effective laser absorption coefficient of four Al alloys and in parallel EPMA technique was used to determine the Mg losses of the weld metals. The combined analysis of the results showed that increasing the laser pulse energy (decreasing laser pulse frequency), Mg evaporation is increased, and that, in turn, increased the effective laser absorption coefficient. However, more laser power absorption does not necessarily mean more weld penetration. Laser absorption results in weld penetration, once the threshold Mg evaporation rate of 200 × 10-6g/cm2 is passed.
Original languageEnglish
Article number106170
JournalOptics and Laser Technology
Volume128
Early online date31 Mar 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2020
Externally publishedYes

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Keywords

  • Aluminum alloys
  • Effective absorption coefficient
  • Evaporation
  • Magnesium content
  • Penetration depth
  • Pulsed laser welding

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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