Beschreibung:
<jats:p>A simplified numerical method is presented that allows a fast estimation of the penetration depth during laser beam welding. The method is based on a physical heat conduction model embedded in an iteration scheme, which adapts the keyhole depth depending on an experimentally calibrated threshold condition that characterizes the temperature distribution on the surface of the vapor capillary. With simulation times lasting only in the order of minutes, the predicted penetration depths are in good agreement with experimental results.</jats:p>