On the modelling of a pulsed TIG weld process in a nickel superalloy

The nickel-based superalloy C263 is commonly used within Aeroengine manufacture for various casing components. FE weld simulation methods using the commercial code Sysweld2012 have been developed to attain better understanding of a pulsed TIG welding process. Test-plate welds are performed and cross-sectioned for metallographic analysis. The welds are modelled as steady-state, continuous welding heat sources. The heat sources used in the models considered a modified 3D conical distribution, and are best-fitted against the fusion-zone boundary measured in the cross-sections. A reasonable agreement between fusion zone boundaries for the modelled predictions and the experimental cross-sections was achieved, demonstrating that the pulsed TIG weld application can be reasonably modelled using a steady-state heating.