Effect of Longitudinal Alternating Magnetic Fields on the Arc Morphology

YANG Chen; GUO Chunfu; YU Chen; ZHAO Yunqiang; Volodymyr Korzhyk; LIU Songtao

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2026.03.024

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Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (3) : 239-250. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2026.03.024

Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Equipment

Effect of Longitudinal Alternating Magnetic Fields on the Arc Morphology

YANG Chen^1,2, GUO Chunfu¹, YU Chen^1,*, ZHAO Yunqiang¹, Volodymyr Korzhyk^1,3, LIU Songtao¹

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Abstract

The work aims to investigate the effect of an externally applied longitudinal alternating magnetic field on the arc morphology during the CMT boost phase. Numerical simulations of the welding arc were conducted with an aluminum alloy substrate. High-speed cameras were employed to capture arc images, which were then compared with simulation results for validation. After the magnetic field was applied, the arc morphology changed from conical to bell-shaped, and the arc periodically oscillated between the positive and negative halves of the y-axis. The current density and potential distribution varied with changes in the arc morphology. The maximum temperature of the arc was approximately 18 000 K, with peak current density and potential values of approximately 1.5×10⁸ A/m² and 18 V, respectively. The magnetic field affected the current density and potential values within the arc, and the Lorentz force increased with the magnetic flux density. After a magnetic field was applied, the arc plasma was affected by the Lorentz force, causing its trajectory to become spiral-shaped, resulting in an increase in arc length and potential. Under the effect of an alternating magnetic field, the force state of charged particles changed constantly, causing the arc to exhibit deflection and divergence. The simulated arc shape aligned with experimental results, with an average relative error of 8.82% between the arc area and simulated values. At 90 Hz, the weld bead formation became the optimal, with the minimum number of porosity defects. Under the effect of the magnetic field, the arc morphology changes from conical to bell-shaped, the trajectory of charged particles becomes spiral-shaped, and the arc length increases slightly, leading to an increase in potential. At 90 Hz, the arc morphology becomes stable, the weld bead formation is improved, and the occurrence of porosity defects is reduced.

Key words

longitudinal alternating magnetic field / arc morphology / current density / potential / Lorentz force / weld bead formation

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YANG Chen, GUO Chunfu, YU Chen, ZHAO Yunqiang, Volodymyr Korzhyk, LIU Songtao. Effect of Longitudinal Alternating Magnetic Fields on the Arc Morphology[J]. Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering. 2026, 18(3): 239-250 https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2026.03.024

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