Keyhole stability, arc behavior, and molten pool flow in narrow-gap oscillating laser-arc hybrid welding of titanium alloy

In the study, the keyhole stability, arc behavior and molten pool flow were investigated to clarify the welding process stability in narrow-gap oscillating laser-arc hybrid welding of titanium alloy. At an oscillating frequency of 300 Hz and amplitude of 1 mm, a concave weld with low porosity was produced. Compared with non oscillating laser, the keyhole opening size increased about twofold, and the standard deviation of arc deflection angle differences decreased by approximately 87.6 %. Owing to the stirring effect of beam oscillation, a stable keyhole with larger opening size was formed, which facilitated the escape of bubbles from the keyhole. More excitation electrons were generated and erupted outward from the keyhole, and both plasma temperature and density increased by approximately 55.2 %. An enhanced electric channel was formed between the welding wire tip and groove center. As a result, the arc burnt stably at the groove bottom, which could melt the groove bottom synchronously, and suppress sharp corners and lack of fusion. The impact caused by droplets was cushioned as the liquid metal flowed towards the rear molten pool orderly with a circular path. Consequently, the liquid metal near the keyhole fluctuated slightly, indicating that the keyhole stability was enhanced. Besides, dendrites were fragmented and more equiaxed grains were produced due to the strong disturbance of dendrites by liquid metal in the whole mushy zone.