Product Code: ICA11_407

High Speed Video Analysis of Melt Flow Inside Fiber Laser Welding Keyholes
Authors:
Ingemar Eriksson, Luleå University of Technology ; Lulea Sweden
John Powell, Luleå University of Technology ; Nottingham Great Britain
Alexander Kaplan, Luleå University of Technology ; Luleå Sweden
Presented at ICALEO 2011

A high speed video survey of melt flow within fibre laser welding keyholes has revealed a number of interesting observations about the mechanics of weld formation. Using Streak Images and 2D-FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) techniques to interpret the video results, quantitative values of fluid flow velocities down the keyhole wall have been established. The results have lead to a phenomenological understanding of some of the quality problems which arise at excess welding speeds - such as undercut and humping.