Effect of activating flux on electric arc of TIG welding

Based on investigation into the differences of arc shape, arc voltage and weld geometry between conventional TIG welding and activated TIG welding with activating flux SiO₂, the effect of activating flux SiO₂ on arc plasma shape, electric field intensity of arc space, arc temperature, arc current density and arc force were analyzed.The results indicated the activating flux SiO₂ makes arc plasma contractive, heating zone and arc force of arc plasma much more concentrated.Meanwhile, the activating flux SiO₂ drastically increases the electric field intensity, temperature and current density in arc space.As a result, theweld geometry is changed, but there are no great changes present in width.