Definition
An electric-arc welding process in which the arc and weld puddle are completely covered by a layer of granular flux. The flux shields the molten metal from the surrounding air, preventing oxidation and contamination, and produces a clean, strong weld. The arc itself is hidden beneath the flux during welding.
Plain English
A welding method where the hot arc and melted metal are buried under a pile of powdered material that protects the weld from air while it cools.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, repair, and manufacturing references, especially when discussing approved welding methods for metal parts or shop equipment.
Derivation
Submerged comes from the Latin 'submergere,' meaning to plunge under. The name describes the process literally: the welding arc is submerged beneath the granular flux rather than being visible in the open air like most welding.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots are not expected to perform this welding, but they do care that any welded aircraft part was repaired or manufactured by an approved method, because poor welding can weaken a part.
Intuition Check
Do not read “submerged” as meaning underwater here. In submerged-arc welding, the welding arc is covered by protective powder, not by water.
Example Sentence 1
The landing gear support fittings were joined using submerged-arc welding to ensure a clean, contamination-free bond.
Example Sentence 2
Submerged-arc welding produced a clean, deep weld on the steel landing-gear component.