Multi-physical Simulation of Laser Welding

AbstractLaser welding is a highly demanded technology for manufacturing of body parts in the automotive industry. Application of powerful multi-physical simulation models permits detailed investigation of the laser process avoiding intricate experimental setups and procedures. Features like the degree of power coupling, keyhole evolution or currents inside the melt pool can be analyzed easily. The implementation of complex physical phenomena, like multi-reflection absorption provides insight into process characteristics under selectable conditions and yields essential information concerning the driving mechanisms. The implementation of additional physical models e. g. for diffusion discloses new potential for investigating welding of dissimilar materials. In this paper we present a computational study of laser welding for different conditions. Applied to a real case model predictions show good agreement with experimental results. Initial tests including species diffusion during welding of dissimilar materials are also presented