Analytical model for weld penetration prediction in finite plates with time-varying heat sources

Research question

How can heat-transfer physics predict penetration depth and weld width when heat input changes over time and the plate has finite boundaries?

Method

Boundary mirroring extends a double-ellipsoidal heat-source solution to finite plates and time-varying input. Finite-element comparisons check the model, while measured weld cross-sections calibrate heat-source parameters before validation on separate experimental groups.

Main findings

After parameter calibration, TIG tests on 5086 aluminum yielded validation errors within 1 mm for width and penetration depth. The work provides an analytical component for combining physics and data in time-varying weld-geometry prediction.