Influence of the Vapor Channel in Deep Laser Welding

Abstract

The physical processes associated with deep welding are analyzed. A two-dimensional numerical model is proposed for the interaction of the laser beam with the medium in the vapor channel. The following processes are considered: heat and mass transfer; absorption and reradiation of the beam’s energy by the plasma; interaction of the plasma with the channel walls; and heat transfer to the cold sample. The model establishes a quantitative relation between the welding conditions and the results of butt welding. That decreases the expenditures in the development of laser-welding processes.