Abstract: In this paper, the process of dynamic heat output in a welding pool and the variation of the penetration caused by the section change of the workpiece are analyzed using numerical simulation technique of thermal field. It is concluded that the variation of temperature gradient in HAZ along the length and width direction reflects the heat output of the welding pool, and that the output of the welding pool has a homogenous relationship to the pool penetration.

Key words: numerical simulation, welding pool, temperature gradient, heat output