Numerical studies of process porosity suppression by magnetohydrodynamic technology during the laser beam welding of aluminum alloy

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) technology is acknowledged as a promising method for mitigating the porosity defects in laser-welded joints of aluminum alloys. A transient 3D multi-physical numerical model of laser beam welding (LBW), coupled with the MHD and oscillating metal vapor plume model, is developed to study the suppression mechanisms of process porosity by an external magnetic field. The experimental results demonstrate that the porosity ratio is reduced by 93.5 % as the oscillating magnetic field is applied. This significant reduction confirms the effectiveness of the MHD technology in suppressing porosity defects. A downward time-averaged Lorentz force is induced in the weld pool, which affects the fluid flow pattern and the weld pool profile. The change of the flowing pattern in the weld pool by the magnetic field does not always have a positive effect on the porosity suppression. In addition, an analytical model shows that the bubble escape window is expanded by 62 % under the effect of the oscillating magnetic field. The additional upward velocity provided by the electromagnetic expulsive force on the bubbles and the change of weld pool profile are considered favorable factors in eliminating the porosity defects. The numerical and analytical model developed for analyzing the bubble escape window have been validated by experimental results.