Electron emission and plasma formation during laser beam welding

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Weld. J. (Miami); (United States)

OSTI ID:5039102

Dixon, R D; Lewis, G K

A 400 watt average power Nd-YAG laser (1.06 micrometer wavelength) was used to study the effects of plasma generation on welding. Laser spot welds on aluminum and stainless steel were monitored optically, acoustically and electrically. Results show that the laser is optically coupled to the workpiece, significant current is emitted by the workpiece, current can be detected from the plasma, optical radiation emitted by the plasma is useful for monitoring purposes, and plasma generation can be monitored using microphones. The plasmas propagate as laser supported combustion waves and are expected to contribute significantly to heat input during welding.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
• OSTI ID: 5039102
• Journal Information: Weld. J. (Miami); (United States), Journal Name: Weld. J. (Miami); (United States) Vol. 64:3; ISSN WEJUA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360101* -- Metals & Alloys-- Preparation & Fabrication
ACOUSTICS
ALLOYS
ALUMINIUM
CHROMIUM ALLOYS
COMBUSTION WAVES
CORROSION RESISTANT ALLOYS
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELEMENTS
FABRICATION
IRON ALLOYS
IRON BASE ALLOYS
JOINING
JOINTS
LASER WELDING
LASERS
METALS
MONITORING
NEODYMIUM LASERS
OPTICS
PLASMA
SOLID STATE LASERS
STAINLESS STEELS
STEELS
WELDED JOINTS
WELDING