Capturing the temperature gradients of GMAW hardfacing processes by employing CFD and FEM simulation procedures

Hardfacing is carried out whenever a local improvement of the mechanical properties of metallic parts is demanded. In this regard, gas metal arc welding technology is one of the most popular choices. One decisive factor of the welded joint quality is governed by the heat affected zone. The present paper proposes a simulation methodology that can be employed for capturing the temperature gradients in any location of the base metal, when such information is required. The model was developed by using ANSYS Workbench simulation software and is based on coupled CFD and Transient Thermal analysis. In the first stage, a welded sample is subjected to 3D scanning for recreating its constitutive surfaces in a CAD environment. In the next stage, the convective heat transfer occurring due to the velocity of the shielding gas is captured by means of CFD analysis. Experimentally derived temperatures are employed for developing a transient thermal analysis, having defined the exterior heat transfer coefficient. In the last stage, the simulation results are verified in an arbitrary location of the base metal that is located outside the heat affected zone.