GMAW process stability evaluation through acoustic emission by time and frequency domain analysis

Purpose: In the present work was made the comparative analysis in time domain and frequency domain to the acoustical pressure generate by the electric arc to determinate which of the two analysis methods is better to evaluates the stability in GMAW process. Design/methodology/approach: Welds had been made with the parameters adjusted to get the highest stability. In these conditions, were simulated instabilities that had been generated by the grease presence in the weld trajectory. In both experimental groups was acquired the acoustical pressure signal produced by electric arc to made analysis based in time domain and frequency domain. Findings: After this comparative study we conclude that the acoustical evaluation of the stability on the GMAW process presents more clarity for the analysis based in the time domain that the frequency domain. Research limitations/implications: In the gotten results, the time domain analysis method could represent adequately the stability and the instability of the process. The stability characterizes for the continuity and minim variation of the statistical parameters, but in the presence of instabilities, these parameters present chaotic changes. In the frequency domain method the variations are imperceptible for steady and unstable regions, but it presents little definite variations in the amplitude of determined bands of frequencies. Originality/value: The stability evaluation in welding is crucial because it is responsible in the weld quality. The non contact methods as the acoustical method have a potentiality extraordinary to monitoring and detect instabilities in welding. The acoustical sensing has the capacity to make an on-line monitoring of the weld process.