The effect of an external magnetic field on the aspect ratio and heat input of gas-metal-arc-welded AZ31B alloy weld joints using a response surface methodology

Abstract

This study attempted to analyze and optimize the effect of an external magnetic field (EMF) on the aspect ratio and heat input for AZ31B weld joints that were welded using the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process. The response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted for the critical analysis, and subsequently, mathematical models were developed based on the experimental results. It was observed that the EMF and its interaction with the wire feed rate significantly affected the aspect ratio and heat input, respectively. At 119 G (magnetic field), 700 mm/min (welding speed), 5.8 m/min feed rate, and 11.5 L/min (gas flow rate), the aspect ratio was 2.26, and the corresponding heat input factor (HIf) was 0.8 with almost full weld penetration.