Abstract:A required finite element method (FEM) model applicable for narrow gap CMT and CMT+P MIX welding was established based on the interactions between arc, base metal and filler metal. A novel method of simplifying wire feeding pulses and heat input pulses was supposed under the conduction of equivalent input. The method together with composed double-ellipse heat sources was included in the model. The model was employed in the investigation of thermal cycling and the identification of the softened zone of AA7A52 base plates. Low-frequency behavior emerged in the form of low-cooling rate sects, which were not expected under experimental conditions. The softened zone including the quenched zone and averaging zone of the base plate was much wider internal the base plate than that close to the surfaces. The reliability of the predictions in thermal cycling was supported by infrared imaging test results of the thermal cycle process.

Key words: cold metal transferring; finite element method; equivalent input; low-cooling rate sects; softened zone