Weld Bead Geometry - The mechanical properties of the welded joints greatly depend on weld bead geometry, which in turn, is influenced by welding parameters like arc current, arc voltage, and arc travel speed.
The bead geometry is specified by weld bead width, reinforcement height, reinforcement area, penetration height, penetration area and the contact angle of weld bead. Other factors like nugget area, percent dilution, pool shape factor, bead shape factor and ripple shape factor may also be included in the bead geometry. Fig shows some aspects of weld bead geometry.
The Weld Bead Width is the maximum width of the weld metal deposited. It increases with arc current, arc voltage, electrode weaving and decreases as arc travel speed increases.
