Prediction Model for Penetration Depth of Laser Keyhole Welding

A prediction model for penetration depth of laser keyhole welding was developed by dynamically analyzing the evolution of front keyhole wall and considering the factors,such as the power density distribution of laser beam and the plasma absorption,etc.,with which the penetration depth of an austenite stainless steel weld joined by Yb fiber laser was predicted for different welding velocities,and subsequently a comparison was made between the predicted values and experimental measurements.The model was further used to study the relationship between the penetration depth and the defocusing distance.Results show that the penetration depth predicted by the model agrees well with that of actual measurement,which increases with rising negative defocusing distance and reducing positive defocusing distance.