Investigation into arc constriction by active fluxes for tungsten inert gas welding

TLDR: The most dominant mechanism for increased penetration is considered to be arc constriction rather than a change in the surface tension of the molten pool as mentioned in this paper, which is the most common mechanism used in tungsten inert gas welding.

Abstract: Mechanisms by which active fluxes increase the penetration of conventional tungsten inert gas (TIG) welds (so called A-TIG welds) are reviewed. The most dominant mechanism for increased penetration is considered to be arc constriction rather than a change in the surface tension of the molten pool. An experimental programme of work was carried out using A-TIG flux in combination with a number of welding processes. The plasma process was investigated as it gives greater penetration than conventional TIG welding by increasing current density. The CO2 laser and electron beam processes which do not rely on a current carrying arc as the heat source for welding were also investigated. Macrosections taken from the welds made by these processes showed that the A-TIG flux was only effective when the weld pool was produced by an arc or plasma. Where there was no arc or plasma present, the flux had little effect.