GMA welding is characterized by a strong dependence between its operational parameters and a high sensitivity to small variations of those. These characteristics tend to make it harder to replicate welding conditions. It is also a barrier to welding automation and makes it necessary to perform a number of real welding tests before determining operational conditions for a given application. In order to contribute to reduce these limitations of GMA welding, the authors of the present work have been working on the development of a mathematical model to simulate the variation of operational and electrical parameters during welding. This paper aims to evaluate methodologies to determine two key variables of this model (the electrode electrical resistivity and the sum of the voltage drops in the arc anode and cathode regions)in short-circuit welding. Experimental trials were performed in a mechanized jig by depositing bead-onplate welds on low-carbon steel bars. Methodologies to evaluate those variables were developed based in proposals from the literature. Experimental details of these methodologies are analyzed and their results are compared to results from the literature. These procedures are evaluated, compared with data from the literature and new procedures are proposed to estimate those parameters and the contact resistance between the contact tip and the electrode. Results suggest values between 6 and 9 Ω for this last parameter.
GMAW; Electric arc; Short circuit transfer; Modeling
