Mechanism of keyhole formation and stability in stationary laser welding

The formation and stability of stationary laser weld keyholes are investigated using a numerical simulation. The effect of multiple reflections in the keyhole is estimated using the ray tracing method, and the free surface profile, flow velocity and temperature distribution are calculated numerically. In the simulation, the keyhole is formed by the displacement of the melt induced by evaporation recoil pressure, while surface tension and hydrostatic pressure oppose cavity formation. A transition mode having the geometry of the conduction mode with keyhole formation occurs between the conduction and keyhole modes. At laser powers of 500 W and greater, the protrusion occurs on the keyhole wall, which results in keyhole collapse and void formation at the bottom. Initiation of the protrusion is caused mainly by collision of upward and downward flows due to the pressure components, and Marangoni flow has minor effects on the flow patterns and keyhole stability. (author)