Numerical Simulation of Induction Assisted Laser Beam Welding

The laser beam welding is an efficient industrial process used to join metallic pieces and it is commonly used in many applications. Unfortunately, due to the high values of space and time thermal gradients created by the beam, problems can occur in the metallurgy of the seam that usually affect the joint mechanical properties. One proposed solution is the use of induction heating, placed close to the laser beam, that can smooth out the thermal gradients controlling the metallurgical structure of the welded material. The simulation of this industrial process requires the analysis of both heating sources (laser beam and induction heating) coupling together the electromagnetic and the thermal phenomena. To this aim, a specific analysis tool has been developed that can take into account all the peculiarities of the phenomena. The procedure is based on the Cell Method and its novelty lies in the use of a coupled electromagnetic-thermal procedure taking into account the laser modelling. The description of the procedure together with some obtained results are presented.