ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on electrode-metal transfer in arc welding processes, and investigates the role of surface tension forces in this process. The mode of electrode-metal melting and transfer has a considerable influence on many processes, occurring in welding, and this influence is largely dependent on the kind of welding process. Most of the electrode metal penetrates into the weld pool and together with the molten base metal, it forms a weld, a deposited bead, or a layer after solidification. Electrode-metal transfer is greatly dependent on the magnitude of the reactive forces. In gas-shielded welding, a metal drop formed at the electrode tip, is exposed mainly to the forces of gravity, surface tension, electrodynamic forces, and reactive forces, arising as a result of metal evaporation from the drop surface. Wettability of the solid metal by the molten metal drops influences the strength of the drop adhesion to the part surface.
