Numerical simulation of influence of constraint wall configuration on arc characteristics of sheet tungsten electrode

The sheet tungsten electrode is mainly used in ultra-narrow gap TIG welding (UNGW-TIG) because of its shape characteristics, and the constraint wall can further cool and compress the sheet tungsten electrode arc, improve the arc characteristics and optimize the welding process. In this study, the differences between two-sided constraint sheet tungsten electrode arc and all-sided constraint sheet tungsten electrode arc are compared. The results show that the all-sided constraint wall has a better compression effect on the arc. The effects of constraint height and constraint gap on characteristics of all-sided constraint sheet tungsten electrode arc are further discussed. The constraint height mainly improves the effect of compressed arc by increasing the contact area, while the constraint gap mainly improves the effect of compressed arc by increasing the temperature difference. Finally, the temperature distribution in the space of two-sided constraint sheet tungsten electrode arc is measured by electrostatic probe as experimental verification.

Automated summary

This study compares the arc characteristics of sheet tungsten electrodes under two different constraint methods, and discusses the effects of constraint height and constraint gap on arc characteristics. The results show that the all-sided constraint wall has a better compression effect on the arc.