Use of a plasma arc as the source of energy for penetration welding of thin plates gives rise to a cylindrical hole surrounded by molten metal. Material moves from the front to the rear of the hole as the workpiece is translated relative to the arc by flowing around the hole.
Based on the finite difference method, three different computer models have been proposed for the steady state, two dimensional heat and mass flow during the plasma arc welding.
In the formulation, energy equation was derived by the energy balance method through the cell control volume and all the governing equations translated fixed coordinates into moving coordinate systems.
The driving force for fluid flow being considered is only electromagnetic force.
The calculated and measured molten pool and HAZ width were compared and good agreement were obtained.
