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Numerical Simulation of Laser Lap Welding--Brazing of Titanium and Aluminum Plates

Authors: Shmagunov O.A., Shapeev V.P. Published: 29.07.2026
 
DOI:

 
Category: Mathematics and Mechanics | Chapter: Mathematical Simulation, Numerical Methods and Software Packages  
Keywords: numerical simulation, heat transfer, dissimilar metals, laser welding, laser brazing, intermetallics

Abstract

The developed mathematical model for the numerical study of laser welding thermophysical processes is applied to simulate the overlap welding of titanium and aluminum plates. The article investigates the influence of laser power and welding speed on the temperature distribution in the calculation area, and searches for optimal welding modes. To obtain quantitative process characteristics, a repeatedly tested numerical method of collocation and least squares for solving differential and integral equations is used, which is implemented in the Laser Welding3D software package. The problem is solved in a three-dimensional formulation, taking into account both heat exchange with the environment and the formation of a vapor-gas channel in the weld zone. The simulation is performed for various plate arrangements over a wide range of laser power values and plate speeds relative to the laser beam. It is shown that the choice of plate arrangement affects the characteristics of the resulting joint. A range of conditions has been determined that achieves the optimal welding-brazing mode for titanium and aluminum, when the temperature in the contact zone exceeds the melting point of aluminum, but is lower than the melting point of titanium. This mode produces a permanent joint that is free of brittle intermetallic phases that degrade joint quality. A comparison with the experimental results has been conducted. The results can be used to develop an effective technology for producing lap joints between titanium and aluminum plates using laser welding

The work was carried out as part of the State Assignment of the ITAM SB RAS (no. 124021400039-8)

Please cite this article in English as:

Shmagunov O.A., Shapeev V.P. Numerical simulation of laser lap welding-brazing of titanium and aluminum plates. Herald of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Series Natural Sciences, 2026, no. 3 (126), pp. 24--39 (in Russ.). EDN: VHPNNG

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