Abstract: Particle redistribution occurred with the flow of pool fluid in laser welding aluminum composites. In order to investigate particle migration behavior, a numerical model was established on laser welding of ZL101-TiB₂ composite. TiB₂ migration coupling with fluid was realized. The volume-of-fluid (VOF) method was employed to track free fluid surfaces. The travel heat source was realized utilizing the workpiece motion in place of heat source motion, which made the heat load stable. Melting and evaporation enthalpy, recoil force, surface tension and buoyancy were considered in this model. Through the calculation it showed that the simulated weld cross section shape and particle distribution were in good agreement with experimental results.

Key words: Laser welding, Numerical simulation, Fluid flow, Particle migration