Numerical and experimental analysis of temperature distribution and melt flow in fiber laser welding of Inconel 625

Abstract

In these days, laser is a useful and valuable tool. Low input heat, speed, accuracy, and high controllability of laser welding have led to widespread use in various industries. Nickel-based superalloys are creep-resistant materials used in high-temperature conditions. Also, these alloys have high strength, fatigue, and suitable corrosion resistance. Inconel 625 is a material that is strengthened by a complex deposition mechanism. Therefore, the parameters related to laser welding affect the microstructure and mechanical properties. Therefore, in this study, the effect of fiber laser welding parameters on temperature distribution, weld bead dimensions, melt flow velocity, and microstructure was investigated by finite volume and experimental methods. In order to detect the temperature history during continuous laser welding, two thermocouples were considered at a distance of 2 mm from the welding line. The heat energy from the laser beam was modeled as surface and volumetric heat flux. The results of numerical simulation showed that Marangoni stress and buoyancy force are the most important factors in the formation of the flow of liquid metal. Enhancing the laser power to 400 W led to the expansion of the width of the molten pool by 1.44 mm, which was in good agreement with the experimental results. Experimental results also showed that increasing the temperature from 500 °C around the molten pond leads to the formation of a coarse-grained austenitic structure.