Parametric optimisation of laser welding of stainless steel 316L

Adnan Qayyum Butt; Qanita Tayyaba; Muhammad Ali Raza; Abdul Rehman; Tayyab Ali Khan; Muhmmad Shahzad

doi:10.14311/AP.2024.64.0077

Authors

Adnan Qayyum Butt Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Materials Division, Pakistan
Qanita Tayyaba Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Materials Division, Pakistan
Muhammad Ali Raza Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Materials Division, Pakistan
Abdul Rehman Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Materials Division, Pakistan; Tsinghua University, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, 100084 Beijing, China
Tayyab Ali Khan Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Materials Division, Pakistan
Muhmmad Shahzad Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Materials Division, Pakistan; Clausthal University of Technology, Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, Agricolastr. 6, 38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14311/AP.2024.64.0077

Keywords:

FEM: Finite Element Method, FWHM: Full Width Half Maxima, PWM: Pulse Width Modulation, HAZ: Hear Affected Zone

Abstract

This paper presents numerical and experimental studies focused on the optimisation of laser welding parameters for AISI 316L stainless steel. The focus of the numerical studies was to obtain the mathematical model with the least time complexity and the highest fidelity. Based on the comparison of different mathematical models, a combination of two models, double ellipsoidal and conical models, was found to be optimal for the numerical simulation of the laser welding process. The studies were also complemented by material characterization studies for validation purpose. A pulse duration of 8 milliseconds and a current of 400 amperes with an average power of 380W were found to be the optimum parameters for laser welding of standard gauge 12 sheet of stainless steel AISI 316L. In addition, the effect of duty factor of the pulsed laser beam on the weld profile was also investigated and was found to be a major contributor to the optimisation process. The properties of the sample welded with the optimised set of parameters were also compared with the base metal, and based on the mechanical characterisation studies, it was found that the yield strength and hardness of the welded sample were improved, but the overall ductility was slightly reduced as compared to the base metal. The average weld zone size was also reduced by increasing the power density due to multiple reflections of the beam.

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