In submerged arc welding (SAW), the electric arc that melts the base metal is established between which electrode–workpiece combination, considering the granular flux fully blankets the arc zone?

Introduction / Context:

Submerged arc welding (SAW) is a high-productivity fusion welding process where an arc burns beneath a pile of granular flux, shielding the molten pool from the atmosphere. Understanding the electrode type is key to differentiating SAW from shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and gas–tungsten arc welding (GTAW).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Process uses a granular (fused or agglomerated) flux delivered ahead of the arc.
• The arc zone is invisible (submerged) during welding.
• Wire feed is continuous.

Concept / Approach:

SAW employs a continuous bare metal wire (consumable electrode) that feeds into the weld pool. The flux provides shielding, slag formation, and sometimes alloying; there is no external gas shield and no coated stick electrode like SMAW. Non-consumable electrodes (tungsten) are used in GTAW, not SAW; carbon electrodes are typical of older arc processes, not SAW.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Process schematics show wire reel feeding into a flux pile with the current source connected to the wire and workpiece; the arc is thus wire-to-work beneath flux.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Tungsten electrodes: define GTAW, not SAW.
• Carbon electrode: used in carbon arc processes, not SAW.
• Heavy flux-coated stick: describes SMAW (stick welding), not the submerged continuous-wire method.

Common Pitfalls:

• Assuming ‘‘submerged’’ implies non-consumable electrodes—SAW uses consumable bare wire.

Final Answer:

bare metal electrode and the work