A numerical analysis of a stationary gas tungsten welding arc considering various electrode angles

The influences of parameters such as electrode angle, welding current and arc length on the gas tungsten arc welding process using Ar shielding gas were studied assuming the current density distribution along the cathode surface. Its distribution was assumed to have a Caussian form, which is characterized by the maximum current density at the electrode tip or the distribution parameter. For determining these two values according to the electrode angle and welding current, the temperature distributions of a 60-deg angle electrode were calculated for 100, 200 and 300 A welding currents and compared with the experimental measurements obtained by previous research. Using these assumed current density distributions as the boundary condition for the current continuity equation, the heat flux and current density on the base plate were calculated for various influencing parameters and compared with the experimental results obtained under the same welding conditions. Furthermore, other transporting phenomena acting on the anode plate, such as arc pressure and shear stress, were calculated.