Numerical simulation of droplet shapes in laser-MIG hybrid welding

A three-dimensional finite element model based on minimum energy principle is developed to simulate the droplet transfer process in laser-MIG hybrid welding. The energy manifestations of all forces that determine droplet shapes are considered in this model, and the model has been used to predict droplet shapes. Offset of droplet centroid and critical additional axial acceleration are adopted to characterize the stability of droplet transfer. The calculated droplet shapes and offset of droplet centroid agree well with experimental results. It is found that increasing laser power or decreasing welding current would destabilize droplet transfer. Additional mechanical forces contribute to stable droplet transfer, and the positive effects of increased shielding gas flow rate on the stability of welding processes are subsequently verified.