Hybrid laser arc welding (HLAW) is a metal joining process that combines laser beam welding (LBW) and arc welding in the same weld pool. This article provides a discussion on the major process variables for two modes of operation of HLAW, namely, stabilization mode and penetration mode. The major process variables for either mode of operation include three sets of welding parameters: the variables for the independent LBW and gas metal arc welding processes and welding variables that are specific to the HLAW process. The article discusses the advantages, limitations, and applications of the HLAW and describes the major components and consumables used for HLAW. The components include the laser source, gas metal arc welding source, hybrid welding head, and motion system. The article also describes the typical sources of defects and safety concerns of HLAW.

This article provides a comprehensive review and critical assessment of numerical modeling of heat and mass transfer in fusion welding. The different fusion welding processes are gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, laser welding, electron beam welding, and laser-arc hybrid welding. The article presents the mathematical equations of mass, momentum, energy, and species conservation. It reviews the applications of heat transfer and fluid flow models for different welding processes. Finally, the article discusses the approaches to improve reliability of, and reduce uncertainty in, numerical models.

Fluid flow is important because it affects weld shape and is related to the formation of a variety of weld defects in gas tungsten arc (GTA) welds. This article describes the surface-tension-driven fluid flow model and its experimental observations. The effects of mass transport on arc plasma and weld pool are discussed. The article reviews the strategies for controlling poor and variable penetration and describes the formation of keyhole and fluid flow in electron beam and laser welds. It also explains the fluid flow in gas metal arc welding and submerged arc welding, presenting its transport equations.