TY - JOUR A1 - Gook, Sergej A1 - Biegler, Max A1 - Gumenyuk, Andrey A1 - Rethmeier, Michael T1 - Integration of hybrid laser-arc and narrow gap submerged arc welding for cost-effective joining of 80 mm thick S355ML steel plates N2 - This paper presents the results of developing a cost-effective, robust process for welding thick steel plates. Welding trials were performed on S355ML structural steel plates with a thickness of 80 mm. A specially designed U-shaped joint preparation with a 45 mm root face was proposed to enable thick welds to be welded using a combined technique. In the developed process, a hybrid laser arc weld (HLAW) is performed as the first pass. Subsequently, narrow-gap submerged arc welding (NG-SAW) is applied to the opposite side using a multi-layer technique. The weld cross-section is completed using a reliable overlap of both the HLAW and NG-SAW welds. This method achieves a 2.9-fold reduction in weld volume and filler material consumption, as well as shorter production times for thick-walled welds. Further advantages of the process combination include eliminating the need to form the root of the HLAW weld and the absence of a backing support. The applied process parameters ensure that the maximum heat input does not exceed 5 kJ/mm, leading to uniform hardness across the weld metal and heat-affected zone (HAZ). Impact toughness testing at −40 °C demonstrated excellent performance, with Charpy V-notch energies of 138 ± 45 J in the arc-dominated region and 65 ± 12 J in the critical laser-dominated zone of the HLAW weld. In addition, the NG-SAW weld exhibited an average Charpy V-notch energy of 274 ± 5 J, confirming excellent low-temperature toughness of the fill passes. Owing to its high process stability and practical applicability, the proposed welding approach shows high potential for integration into the fabrication of thick-walled offshore constructions. KW - Hybrid laser arc welding KW - Narrow gap submerged arc welding KW - Low carbon structural steel KW - Fusion zone size KW - Microstructure KW - Impact absorbed energy KW - Hardness PY - 2026 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-655627 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlastec.2026.114796 SN - 0030-3992 VL - 197 SP - 1 EP - 12 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-65562 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Yang, Fan A1 - Meng, Xiangmeng A1 - Putra, Stephen Nugraha A1 - Bachmann, Marcel A1 - Rethmeier, Michael T1 - Numerical studies of process porosity suppression by magnetohydrodynamic technology during the laser beam welding of aluminum alloy N2 - Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) technology is acknowledged as a promising method for mitigating the porosity defects in laser-welded joints of aluminum alloys. A transient 3D multi-physical numerical model of laser beam welding (LBW), coupled with the MHD and oscillating metal vapor plume model, is developed to study the suppression mechanisms of process porosity by an external magnetic field. The experimental results demonstrate that the porosity ratio is reduced by 93.5 % as the oscillating magnetic field is applied. This significant reduction confirms the effectiveness of the MHD technology in suppressing porosity defects. A downward time-averaged Lorentz force is induced in the weld pool, which affects the fluid flow pattern and the weld pool profile. The change of the flowing pattern in the weld pool by the magnetic field does not always have a positive effect on the porosity suppression. In addition, an analytical model shows that the bubble escape window is expanded by 62 % under the effect of the oscillating magnetic field. The additional upward velocity provided by the electromagnetic expulsive force on the bubbles and the change of weld pool profile are considered favorable factors in eliminating the porosity defects. The numerical and analytical model developed for analyzing the bubble escape window have been validated by experimental results. KW - Laser beam welding KW - Aluminum alloy KW - Process porosity defects KW - Magnetohydrodynamic technology KW - Bubble escape KW - Numerical simulation PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-637642 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2025.127525 SN - 0017-9310 VL - 253 SP - 1 EP - 13 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-63764 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Yang, Keke A1 - Wang, Zhuoqun A1 - Haak, Viktor A1 - Olfert, Viktoria A1 - El-Sari, Bassel A1 - Hein, David A1 - Biegler, Max A1 - Rethmeier, Michael A1 - Meschut, Gerson T1 - A novel welding schedule for expanding the expulsion-free process window in resistance spot welding of dissimilar joints with ultra-high strength steel N2 - This study introduces a novel approach to expanding the maximum expulsion-free process window in resistance spot welding (RSW) of dissimilar joints between ultra-high strength steel (UHSS) and mild steel. Quantitative analysis revealed that expulsion is driven by the interaction between nugget growth rate and plastic shell thickness. Based on this finding, the welding schedule was optimized by applying a preheating current to form an initial plastic shell, followed by a ramp-up current profile during the main welding phase. Welding simulations indicated that the ramp-up current slowed nugget growth, improved plastic shell formation, and prevented nugget breakthrough, thereby reducing the risk of expulsion. Experimental validation showed a 19 % increase in maximum expulsion-free heat input, with the nugget diameter increasing by 7.6 % to 8.94 mm compared to the reference welding schedule. Furthermore, even when expulsion occurred beyond the process window, this optimization delayed its occurrence, minimizing its impact on spot weld quality. Finally, the optimized welding schedule also exhibited significant robustness. Despite a 2 mm initial gap disturbance, the maximum expulsionfree heat input increased by 57 %, while the nugget diameter grew by 30 % to 8.92 mm. These results confirm that the proposed approach effectively extends the process window by preventing expulsion and enhances process stability. KW - Expulsion KW - Resistance spot welding KW - Finite element modelling KW - Preheating KW - Ultra-high-strength steel PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-626877 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2025.02.009 SN - 2212-4616 VL - 137 SP - 306 EP - 309 PB - Elsevier BV AN - OPUS4-62687 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Yalçınyüz, Aybike A1 - Raute, Julius A1 - Gonzalez-Gutierrez, Joamin A1 - Pei, Eujin A1 - Biegler, Max A1 - Rethmeier, Michael T1 - Electron Beam Bonding: A novel method for joining additively manufactured carbon fiber thermoplastic composites with aluminum to produce multi-material joints for lightweight applications N2 - In recent years, new solutions have been explored to reduce the weight of components for the automotive, railway, and aerospace industries. For this reason, Carbon Fiber Composites (CFCs) have increasingly replaced metals in products that need to be lightweight. However, due to their poor thermal conductivity, CFCs have limited use in applications requiring efficient heat dissipation. In such applications, conventionally manufactured metal alloys are typically utilized. To address these limitations, a novel approach using a combination of additively manufactured aluminum and CFCs is proposed to exploit the distinct advantages of both materials. These innovative hybrid structures aim to combine good structural and thermal management properties with reduced weight compared to conventionally produced metal products. In this study, additively manufactured aluminum alloy (AlSi10Mg) and short carbon fiber Polyamide 6 composite (sCF-PA6) are utilized to produce metal–polymer pairs using electron beam energy to bond the two materials. Direct irradiation of short CFCs with electron beam leads to polymer degradation. Thus, a novel method “Electron Beam Bonding” for joining CFCs with aluminum alloy in various joint configurations using electron beam technology is demonstrated. This innovative approach presents a promising solution for creating metal–polymer multi-materials for lightweight applications. KW - Electron beam bonding KW - Multi-material KW - Lightweight KW - Additive manufactured materials KW - Short carbon fiber composites KW - AlSi10Mg KW - Joining PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-641705 DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40964-025-01206-1 SN - 2363-9512 SP - 1 EP - 7 PB - Springer International Publishing CY - Cham AN - OPUS4-64170 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Meng, Xiangmeng A1 - Bachmann, Marcel A1 - Yang, Fan A1 - Rethmeier, Michael T1 - Toward prediction and insight of porosity formation in laser welding: A physics-informed deep learning framework N2 - The laser welding process is an important manufacturing technology for metallic materials. However, its application is often hindered by the occurrence of porosity defects. By far, an accurate prediction of the porosity defects and an insight into its formation mechanism are still challenging due to the highly nonlinear physics involved. In this paper, we propose a physics-informed deep learning (PIDL) framework by utilizing mechanistic modeling and experimental data to predict the porosity level during laser beam welding of aluminum alloys. With a proper selection of the physical variables (features) concerning the solidification, liquid metal flow, keyhole stability, and weld pool geometry, the PIDL model shows great superiority in predicting the porosity ratio, with a reduction of mean square error by 41 %, in comparison with the conventional DL model trained with welding parameters. Furthermore, the selected variables are fused into dimensionless features with explicit physical meanings to improve the interpretability and extendibility of the PIDL model. Based on a well-trained PIDL model, the hierarchical importance of the physical variables/procedures on the porosity formation is for the first time revealed with the help of the Shapley Additive Explanations analysis. The keyhole ratio is identified as the most influential factor in the porosity formation, followed by the downward flow-driven drag force, which offers a valuable guideline for process optimization and porosity minimization. KW - Laser beam welding KW - Physics-informed deep learning KW - Porosity prediction KW - Feature fusion KW - Hierarchical importance PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-624708 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2025.120740 VL - 286 SP - 1 EP - 13 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-62470 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Akyel, Fatma A1 - Üstündag, Ömer A1 - Bakir, Nasim A1 - Brunner-Schwer, Christian A1 - Gumenyuk, Andrey A1 - Rethmeier, Michael T1 - Influence of heat input on cooling rates and mechanical properties of laser hybrid welded thick structural steels N2 - Laser hybrid welding presents several challenges when used to weld thick steels. A typical weld is divided into the arcdominated and laser-dominated zone. These zones lead to variations in the mechanical properties of the weld. The laserdominated zone is of particular importance regarding mechanical properties, notably Charpy impact toughness, due to the high cooling rates and the absence of filler wire. The low heat input of the laser can lead to martensitic microstructure causing hardening and deterioration of impact toughness. The high heat input of the arc can lead to grain coarsening and even loss of impact toughness. This study examines the influence of heat input on the cooling rates, microstructure and mechanical properties of single-pass laser hybrid welded steels of S355J2 and EH36 with thicknesses up to 30 mm. The experiments were performed with a 20-kW fibre laser and a contactless electromagnetic weld backing in the butt-joint configuration in 1G welding position. The cooling time was measured in three different locations near the fusion lines corresponding to different heights of the seam using a special configuration with pyrometers, collimators and optical fibres. The test specimens for the Charpy impact testing and tensile testing were extracted in three different depths. The experiments indicated that a heat input of 1.6 kJ/mm–2 kJ/mm, 2 kJ/mm–2.4 kJ/mm and 3.7 kJ/mm were recommended when single-pass laser hybrid welding of 20-, 25-, and 30-mm-thick structural steels regarding the minimum requirements of the mechanical properties, respectively. KW - Laser hybrid welding KW - Heat input KW - Mechanical properties KW - Charpy impact toughness KW - Cooling rate PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-625282 DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40194-025-01924-8 SN - 1878-6669 SP - 1 EP - 15 PB - Springer CY - United Kingdom AN - OPUS4-62528 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Yang, Chunliang A1 - Yang, Fan A1 - Meng, Xiangmeng A1 - Putra, Stephen Nugraha A1 - Bachmann, Marcel A1 - Rethmeier, Michael T1 - Multi-refining effects of an AC electromagnetic field on the microstructure in AA5754 laser beam welding N2 - Fine-grain structure is beneficial to the mechanical properties of the joint. Different kinds of grain and sub-grain structures refined by magnetic field during laser beam welding of AA5754 aluminum alloy are analyzed in this manuscript, and the influences of different magnetic field parameters (magnetic flux density and frequency) in these refining effects are also studied. Using the scanning electron microscope (SEM), the sub-grain structure near the fusion line was obtained, and it was found that the branching promotion and branches refinement can be achieved by the magnetic field. The branches become finer with the magnetic flux density or frequency increases, and this effect is stronger in the dendritic region than in the equiaxed region. The results of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in the equiaxed region show that a high-frequency magnetic field can greatly reduce the average grain size, while a low-frequency one has little effect. A phenomenological nucleation model based on dendrite fragmentation theory was established, and it was introduced into the phase field model to analyze the equiaxed grains evolution process. In addition, another refinement mechanism was also observed. The periodic solidification pattern caused by the unstable solidification in the molten pool can refine the grains, and the magnetic field promotes this kind of grain refinement by promoting the solidification period. KW - Laser beam welding KW - Magnetic field KW - Aluminum alloy KW - Crystal branch development KW - Periodic solidification pattern KW - Grain refinement PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-637222 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2025.127509 SN - 0017-9310 VL - 252 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-63722 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Biegler, Max A1 - Yang, Keke A1 - Meschut, Gerson A1 - Rethmeier, Michael T1 - Occurrence and avoidance of liquid metal embrittlement in resistance spot welding of springback-afflicted deep-drawn components N2 - This study investigates the occurrence and mitigation of liquid metal embrittlement occurring during resistance spot welding in deep-drawn automotive components, specifically focusing on an S-Rail made from advanced high-strength steel. A simulation-based liquid metal embrittlement risk criterion based on local major component stresses was established and used to quantify and compare liquid metal embrittlement risks between different tests. Experimental and numerical analyses were conducted, revealing that springback significantly impacts liquid metal embrittlement formation. Adjustments in electrode geometry and hold time post-welding were found to mitigate liquid metal embrittlement risks. The effects of stack-up configuration and related parameter settings on liquid metal embrittlement occurrence were identified and liquid metal embrittlement was effectively prevented across both stack-up configurations. These findings advance the understanding of liquid metal embrittlement mechanisms and provide practical approaches to enhance the spot weld quality in AHSS-based body-in-whites. KW - Liquid metal embrittlement KW - Crack KW - Advanced high-strength steels KW - Resistance spot welding KW - Weld current KW - Heat input KW - Simulation KW - Springback KW - Deep drawing KW - S-Rail PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-636577 DO - https://doi.org/10.1177/13621718251340452 SN - 1362-1718 SP - 1 EP - 9 PB - SAGE Publications AN - OPUS4-63657 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Müller, Vinzenz A1 - Fasselt, Janek Maria A1 - Klötzer-Freese, Christian A1 - Kruse, Tobias A1 - Kleba-Ehrhardt, Rafael A1 - Biegler, Max A1 - Rethmeier, Michael T1 - Recycling nickel aluminium bronze grinding chips to feedstock for directed energy deposition via impact whirl milling: Investigation on processability, microstructure and mechanical properties N2 - During the production of ship propellers, considerable quantities of grinding chips from nickel aluminium bronze are produced. This paper examines the mechanical comminution of such chips via impact whirl milling and the utilization of two chip-powder batches as feedstock for a laser-based directed energy deposition process. The materials are characterized via digital image analysis, standardized flowability tests, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and are compared to conventional, gas atomized powder. The specimens deposited via directed energy deposition are analyzed for density, hardness and microstructure and tensile properties for vertical and horizontal build up directions are compared. At elevated mill rotation speeds, the comminution with impact whirl milling produced rounded particles, favorable flow properties and particle size distribution, making them suitable to deposit additive specimens. The microstructure exhibited characteristic martensitic phases due to the high cooling rates of the additive manufacturing process. The presence of ceramic inclusions was observed in both the powder and on the tensile fracture surfaces, partly impairing the mechanical properties. However, specimens in the vertical build-up direction (Z) showed competitive tensile results, with 775 MPa in tensile strength, 455 MPa in yield strength and 12.6 % elongation at break. The findings of this study indicate that recycling of machining chips to additive manufacturing feedstock can be a viable option for reducing material costs and environmental impact. KW - Nickel aluminium bronze KW - Grinding chips KW - Recycling KW - Directed energy deposition KW - Material characterization PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-633442 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addma.2025.104804 SN - 2214-8604 VL - 105 SP - 1 EP - 9 PB - Elsevier BV AN - OPUS4-63344 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Savitsky, Viktor A1 - Schmies, Lennart A1 - Gumenyuk, Andrey A1 - Rethmeier, Michael T1 - Comparative performance of DIC and optical flow algorithms for displacement and strain analysis in laser beam welding N2 - The measurement of strain and displacement in the context of the welding process represents a significant challenge. Optical methods, such as digital image correlation (DIC) or optical flow algorithms, have demonstrated their efficacy in robust and reliable data acquisition in harsh environments, including those encountered in welding processes. Concurrently, a trade-off between the accuracy of the measurement and the computational resources required for the associated calculations must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The application of filters to initial images represents a technique that serves to enhance the quality and accuracy of the strain and displacement prediction. In the present study, the estimated error of two algorithms, namely the Lucas-Kanade (LK) and the inverse compositional Gauss-Newton (IC-GN), is compared on the basis of both synthetic and real welding images. The displacement field is evaluated for different zones in the laser weld seam with varying contrast performance. Based on the aforementioned results, a strain calculation was conducted for both methods, which yielded comparable results for the LK and IC-GN algorithms. KW - Laser speckle KW - DIC KW - Optical flow KW - Error estimation KW - Strain measurement KW - Laser beam welding PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-625919 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlaseng.2025.108870 SN - 1873-0302 VL - 187 SP - 1 EP - 15 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-62591 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -