Thermodynamic Simulation of O Content Variation Roadmap in Submerged Arc Welding Process: From Droplet to Weld Metal

Submerged arc welding is a complex metallurgical system involving various phases with a temperature higher than 2000 degrees C. Since the hot weld pool is shielded beneath the flux, thermodynamic investigation on the O content variation during the welding process remains nebulous. Within this framework, a thermodynamic approach has been proposed to estimate the variation tendency of O content in metal during the overall submerged arc welding process. The modeling is based on the assumptions of Oxygen Layer Theory, Local Attained Equilibrium, and Scheil Solidification. The simulated and measured data show that this approach is capable of predicting the variation of the O content roadmap when typical CaO-Al2O3 based fluxes are employed. Then, factors pertinent to the level of O content are evaluated from thermodynamic perspectives. Additionally, it is revealed that the decomposition mechanisms of the oxides in welding can be constrained via the incumbent approach.