Measurement and theoretical investigation of arc sensor sensitivity in dynamic state during gas metal arc welding

This paper shows the experimental and the theoretically predicted results of the sensitivity characteristics of the arc sensor in a dynamic state during gas metal arc welding. First, a mathematical model of the sensor for theoretical prediction was introduced, and then the rationality of the model was confirmed by a series of corresponding experiments. Finally, simulation analyses were made in order to clarify how the welding system and welding conditions affect the sensitivity characteristics of the arc sensor. It is shown that the frequency of torch height variation (the sensor's input) significantly affects the sensitivities of the welding current and the welding voltage (the sensor's outputs). The current sensitivity is highest when the frequency of torch height variation is similar to 5 Hz, but the voltage sensitivity simply increases with the increase of torch height variation frequency. It is also clarified that a decrease in the welding loop's inductance and/or the equivalent output resistance of the welding power source improves the sensor's current sensitivity but decreases voltage sensitivity. Decreasing the electrical resistance, but with an increase in electric field intensity of the arc column, or using a shorter setting electrode extension are useful ways of increasing the current and voltage sensitivities of the sensor. (C) 1997 The Institute of Materials.