ABSTRACT
Arc energy is transformed into heat at the arc-plate coupling. However, arc energy is also responsible for melting the feeding wire, which heat content for the wire melting. The use of numerical simulation methods could present an advantage over calorimetric methods, based on their capacity to predict heat losses to the environment considering convection, conduction, and radiation means. Gross heat input represents the amount of heat that is delivered on the test plate surface, but before happening any heat conduction inside the plate or loss of heat directly to the environment through the surfaces. The effect of the test plate dimensions on the absorbed heat measurements and, consequently, on the gross heat input determination is also related to losses of heat within the time from welding start and the calorimetric measurement end.
