Analytical Simulation of the Microbubble Collapsing in a Welding Fusion Pool

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Acoustics

Background:

• Ultrasound cavitation is known to refine weld grain structure and alter microstructure.
• High-power ultrasound transducers (HPUTs) are practically used for plate excitation in welding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically investigate plate vibration modes for remote ultrasound excitation.
• To identify optimal positions and frequencies for initiating cavitation in the molten pool during welding.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis of plate vibration modes under ultrasound excitation.
• Simulation of forced vibration, cavitation, and bursting time.
• Parametric analysis of excitation location and frequency.

Main Results:

• Excitation from the plate side yielded significantly higher vibration displacement amplitude (10^3) compared to corner excitation.
• Identified vibration amplitude and time required for cavity generation and implosion.
• Developed a computational platform for multiparametric analysis of ultrasound-initiated cavitation.

Conclusions:

• Remote ultrasound vibration can be effectively optimized for welding applications.
• The study provides a framework for specifying vibration-assisted welding time.
• Computational modeling enables efficient analysis of cavitation phenomena in molten pools.