Numerical modeling of fluid flow, heat, and mass transfer for similar and dissimilar laser welding of Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718

Abstract Most of the researches published on numerical modeling laser welding are looking at similar welding, mainly due to difficulty simulating mixing phenomenon that occurs in dissimilar welding. Furthermore, titanium and nickel alloys has been rarely reported literature. In this study, a 3D finite volume model is proposed simulate fluid flow, heat, mass transfer for Ti-6Al-4V Inconel 718. The source was simulated by volumetric heat distribution, which considers effects keyhole workpiece. parameters were calibrated through preliminary experiments, comparing experimental weld pool shapes dimensions. used both homogenous weldings 718, systematic comparison carried out number selected experiments. three distinct levels power (1.25 kW, 1.5 2.5 kW) temperature distribution velocity field welds analyzed. Results highlighted Marangoni forces formation. order analyze species equations considered, demonstrating important role played mixture Finally, high level agreement between simulations experiments—in terms shape dimensions—was observed all cases This proves ability properly 718 alloys.