Characterization of Welded Joints

A special issue of Metals (ISSN 2075-4701).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2019) | Viewed by 53308

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Special Issue Editor

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ISEP–School of Engineering, Polytechnic of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Interests: tribology; coatings; manufacturing processes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Welding remains as one of the most important manufacturing processes in the metalworking industry. Its critical importance is revealed in many applications, from small devices such as pacemakers to huge metallic structures. The development of new metallic materials is an important challenge for welding, because it presents new difficulties that need to be overcome. Furthermore, welding processes such as friction stir welding, laser, and electron beam have significant potential for investigation. Thus, this Special Issue intends to disseminate high-quality research carried out in the area of the welding processes, namely, in the characterization of welded joints considering different processes and challenging alloys, taking advantage of welding parameters’ regulation and the use of different filler metals, thus improving by the properties of welded joints.

Prof. Francisco J. G. Silva
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • advanced welding processes
  • welding-parameters optimization
  • heat-affected zone
  • weld nugget
  • filler metals
  • laser welding
  • electron beam welding
  • friction stir welding
  • microstructure
  • hardness

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 5462 KiB  
Article
Ultrasonic-Assisted Semi-Solid Forming Method and Microstructure Evolution of Aluminum/Copper Brazed Joints
by Yin Liang, Jiruan Pan, Hua Zhang, Peng Huang, Jun Wang, Yuxin Shi and Limin Chen
Metals 2020, 10(2), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/met10020223 - 06 Feb 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2178
Abstract
Aluminum/Copper dissimilar metal connection devices have been widely used in equipment manufacturing. Ultrasonic vibration assisted semi-solid brazing technology is beneficial to improve brazing quality by using the good flow ability and strong deformation resistance of brazing alloy when it is in a semi-solid [...] Read more.
Aluminum/Copper dissimilar metal connection devices have been widely used in equipment manufacturing. Ultrasonic vibration assisted semi-solid brazing technology is beneficial to improve brazing quality by using the good flow ability and strong deformation resistance of brazing alloy when it is in a semi-solid state. In this study, a new ultrasound-assisted high-frequency induction brazing method was used to braze aluminum and copper dissimilar metals under non-vacuum conditions with non-prefabrication of brazing filler metal. In a short time, uniform semi-solid brazed joint was obtained. Detailed investigations on the effects of aluminum-substrate side (Abbreviated as Al side) heat dissipation rate and ultrasonic vibration duration on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of semisolid weld were conducted. The results show that the welding seam obtained by the modification method increases the microstructure uniformity of brazing joint. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Welded Joints)
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23 pages, 6682 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Welded Joints in P91 Steel under Different Heat-Treatment Conditions
by Francisco José Gomes Silva, António Pedro Pinho, António Bastos Pereira and Olga Coutinho Paiva
Metals 2020, 10(1), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/met10010099 - 08 Jan 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6788
Abstract
P91 steel has been of interest to many researchers over the past two decades. This interest is because this steel has very interesting characteristics for application in power plants, where it is common to have pipes that need to support steam at temperatures [...] Read more.
P91 steel has been of interest to many researchers over the past two decades. This interest is because this steel has very interesting characteristics for application in power plants, where it is common to have pipes that need to support steam at temperatures between 570 and 600 °C, and at pressures in the range of 170 to 230 bar. These working conditions are quite severe for most common steels, requiring increased high-temperature mechanical strength as well as high creep resistance. The manufacture of these pipes normally includes welding operations, which must preserve the main characteristics of this type of steel. This justifies the concern of the researchers to ensure the best welding conditions so that the preservation of the properties of these steels becomes possible. The present work intends to depict the best results obtained varying the heat-treatment conditions applied to weldments made on heat-resistant steel P91. This steel usually takes the designation SA 213 T91 (seamless tube) or SA 335 P91 (seamless pipe), according to ASME II, as well as the designation X10CrMOVNb9-1 according to EN 10216-2. The purpose of this study is to compare the behavior of pipe welding under different post-welding heat-treatment (PWHT) conditions. One of them is performed with thermal cycles (preheating, post-heating, and the post-weld heat treatment) in agreement with most construction codes and standard rules. The second one is performed without any thermal cycle before and after welding. Both welds were made by the same process, TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas, or GTAW—Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) in the horizontal position (2G according to ASME IX) and the same welding parameters. In order to evaluate the results obtained in the welds, microstructure analyses, hardness measurements, bending tests, and tensile tests at room and high temperature (600 °C) have been performed. Other tests were also carried out according to the quality procedures, such as visual, penetrant dye, and X-ray tests. Regarding the different strategies used in the heat treatments, the best results have been obtained using a strategy similar to the one currently in use and recommended by construction codes and steel manufacturers but excluding the phases’ transformation time, and it was possible to observe that the tensile strength is impaired by about 2% to 9% at room and elevated temperatures, respectively; the elongation is reduced by 39% at room temperature but keeps a good performance at elevated temperature; the hardness profile is very similar at both temperatures; the microstructure presented is compatible with the requirements; and no cracking trend has been reported. Thus, a new strategy for the welding heat treatment of grade 91 steels was drawn, saving energy and processing time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Welded Joints)
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15 pages, 10797 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Pre- and Post-Heat Treatment on Mechanical Properties and Microstructures in Friction Stir Welding of Dissimilar Age-Hardenable Aluminum Alloys
by Yang Jia, Sicong Lin, Jizi Liu, Yonggui Qin and Kehong Wang
Metals 2019, 9(11), 1162; https://doi.org/10.3390/met9111162 - 28 Oct 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2854
Abstract
An Al-Mg-Si alloy 6061 and an Al-Zn-Mg alloy 7A52 were joined by friction stir welding successfully. Pre- and post- heat treatment were employed to improve the strength of the weld. The results show a best weld joint with the lowest hardness of 100 [...] Read more.
An Al-Mg-Si alloy 6061 and an Al-Zn-Mg alloy 7A52 were joined by friction stir welding successfully. Pre- and post- heat treatment were employed to improve the strength of the weld. The results show a best weld joint with the lowest hardness of 100 HV in 6061 matrix, being achieved by post-solid-solution and subsequent two-stage artificial aging for the whole weld joint of the 7A52 and 6061 solid solution. Under this condition, the weld nugget zone (WNZ) is stronger than 6061 matrix but it has lower hardness than 7A52 matrix. The hardness of WNZ is contributed by the combination of η′ and L precipitates, dynamically changes along with the ratios between the number of η′ and L precipitates. The higher the number density of η′ precipitates, the hardness of WNZ is closer to that of the 7A52 matrix. Otherwise, the higher number density of L precipitates, the hardness of WNZ is closer to that of 6061 matrix. The coexistence of η′ and L precipitates is a direct result from the mixture of 7A52 and 6061 alloys achieved by stirring. Precipitates identification and composition analysis reveal a dynamic WNZ with constituent transition in hardness and composition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Welded Joints)
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0 pages, 11925 KiB  
Article
Internal Material Flow Layers in AA6082-T6 Butt-Joints during Bobbin Friction Stir Welding
by Abbas Tamadon, Dirk J. Pons, Don Clucas and Kamil Sued
Metals 2019, 9(10), 1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/met9101059 - 28 Sep 2019
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3070 | Correction
Abstract
Bobbin friction stir welding with a double-sided tool configuration produces a symmetrical solid-state joint. However, control of the process parameters to achieve defect-free welds is difficult. The internal flow features of the AA6082-T6 butt-joints in bobbin friction stir welding were evaluated using a [...] Read more.
Bobbin friction stir welding with a double-sided tool configuration produces a symmetrical solid-state joint. However, control of the process parameters to achieve defect-free welds is difficult. The internal flow features of the AA6082-T6 butt-joints in bobbin friction stir welding were evaluated using a set of developed reagents and optical microscopy. The key findings are that the dark curved patterns (conventionally called 'flow-arms'), are actually oxidation layers at the advancing side, and at the retreating side are elongated grains with a high-density of accumulation of sub-grain boundaries due to dynamic recrystallization. A model of discontinuous flow within the weld is proposed, based on the microscopic observations. It is inferred that the internal flow is characterized by packets of material ('flow patches') being transported around the pin. At the retreating side they experience high localized shearing at their mutual boundaries, as evidenced in high density of sub-grain boundaries. Flow patches at the advancing side are stacked on each other and exposed to oxidization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Welded Joints)
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22 pages, 29544 KiB  
Article
Structural Aspects of Execution and Thermal Treatment of Welded Joints of Hardox Extreme Steel
by Łukasz Konat
Metals 2019, 9(9), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/met9090915 - 21 Aug 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3626
Abstract
The paper presents structure and mechanical properties of welded joints of the high-strength, abrasive-wear resistant steel Hardox Extreme. It was shown that, as a result of welding this steel, structures conducive to lowering its abrasion-wear resistance are created in the heat-affected zone. Width [...] Read more.
The paper presents structure and mechanical properties of welded joints of the high-strength, abrasive-wear resistant steel Hardox Extreme. It was shown that, as a result of welding this steel, structures conducive to lowering its abrasion-wear resistance are created in the heat-affected zone. Width of the zone exceeds 60 mm, which results in accelerated wear in the planned applications. On the grounds of the carried-out examinations of structures and selected mechanical properties, a welding technology followed by heat treatment of heat-affected zones was suggested, leading to reconstruction of HAZ structures that is morphologically close to the base material structure. In spite of high carbon equivalent (CEV) of Hardox Extreme, the executed welding processes and heat treatment did not result in the appearance, in laboratory conditions, of welding imperfections in the welded joints. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Welded Joints)
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13 pages, 6793 KiB  
Article
Residual Stress, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties in Thick 6005A-T6 Aluminium Alloy Friction Stir Welds
by Xiaolong Liu, Pu Xie, Robert Wimpory, Wenya Li, Ruilin Lai, Meijuan Li, Dongfeng Chen, Yuntao Liu and Haiyan Zhao
Metals 2019, 9(7), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/met9070803 - 21 Jul 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3473
Abstract
Plates (37 mm thick) of 6005A-T6 aluminum alloy were butt joined by a single-sided and double-sided friction stir welding (FSW). The 3D residual stresses in the joints were determined using neutron diffraction. The microstructures were characterized by a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and [...] Read more.
Plates (37 mm thick) of 6005A-T6 aluminum alloy were butt joined by a single-sided and double-sided friction stir welding (FSW). The 3D residual stresses in the joints were determined using neutron diffraction. The microstructures were characterized by a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). In the single-sided FSW specimen, there were acceptable mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 74.4% of base metal (BM) and low residual stresses with peak magnitudes of approximately 37.5% yield strength of BM were achieved. The hardness is related to the grain size of the nugget zone (NZ), and in this study, precipitations were dissolved due to the high heat input. In the double-sided FSW specimen, there were good mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 80.8% of BM, but high residual stresses with peak magnitudes of approximately 70% yield strength of BM were obtained. The heat input by the second pass provided an aging environment for the first-pass weld zone where the dissolved phases were precipitated and residual stresses were relaxed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Welded Joints)
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17 pages, 8687 KiB  
Article
Interface Behavior and Impact Properties of Dissimilar Al/Steel Keyhole-Free FSSW Joints
by Zhongke Zhang, Yang Yu, Huaxia Zhao and Xijing Wang
Metals 2019, 9(6), 691; https://doi.org/10.3390/met9060691 - 18 Jun 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3498
Abstract
This work systematically investigates the interface behavior and impact properties of the keyhole-free friction stir spot welding (FSSW) of a dissimilar metal AA6082-T4 Al alloy and DP600 galvanized steel. The keyhole is eliminated by pin retraction technology. The welding process is in accordance [...] Read more.
This work systematically investigates the interface behavior and impact properties of the keyhole-free friction stir spot welding (FSSW) of a dissimilar metal AA6082-T4 Al alloy and DP600 galvanized steel. The keyhole is eliminated by pin retraction technology. The welding process is in accordance with the welding temperature curve and the maximum temperature of the periphery of the shoulder, measured at about 500 °C. The transition layers were formed at the interface, in which the Al, Fe, and Zn elements form an inhomogeneous diffusion. A cloud cluster-like mechanical mixing of the Al and steel components is formed in the stirring zone. The impact toughness of the specimen with a welding parameter of 1000 rpm is the best. To a certain extent, the factors affecting the impact energy are not the maximum impact load but the maximum impact deformation. The maximum impact deformation directly reflects the post-crack propagation energy, which significantly affects its impact toughness. In addition, the impact fracture showed a mixed ductile and brittle fracture mode with a brittle–ductile transition zone. Most of the impact energy was absorbed by the ductile fracture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Welded Joints)
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12 pages, 4074 KiB  
Article
Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Titanium/Alumina Brazed Joints for Medical Implants
by Hong Bian, Xiaoguo Song, Shengpeng Hu, Yuzhen Lei, Yide Jiao, Shutong Duan, Jicai Feng and Weimin Long
Metals 2019, 9(6), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/met9060644 - 03 Jun 2019
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4452
Abstract
Medical titanium and alumina (Al2O3) bioceramic are widely utilized as biomaterials. A reliable brazed joint of titanium and alumina was successfully obtained using biocompatible Au foil for implantable devices in the present study. The interfacial microstructure and reaction products [...] Read more.
Medical titanium and alumina (Al2O3) bioceramic are widely utilized as biomaterials. A reliable brazed joint of titanium and alumina was successfully obtained using biocompatible Au foil for implantable devices in the present study. The interfacial microstructure and reaction products of titanium/Au/Al2O3 joints brazed under different conditions were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In this study, the typical interfacial microstructure of the titanium/Au/Al2O3 joint was titanium/Ti3Au layer/TiAu layer/TiAu2 layer/TiAu4 layer/Au + granular TiAu4 layer/TiOx phase/Al2O3 ceramic. With increasing brazing temperature or holding time, the thicknesses of Ti3Au + TiAu + TiAu2 layers adjacent to the titanium substrate increased gradually. Shear tests indicated that the joint brazed at 1115 °C for 3 min exhibited the highest shear strength of 39.2 MPa. Typical fracture analysis displayed that the crack started at the Al2O3 ceramic and propagated along the interface of TiAu2 and TiAu4 reaction layers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Welded Joints)
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20 pages, 16496 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation of Material Flow and Analysis of Welding Characteristics in Friction Stir Welding Process
by Haitao Luo, Tingke Wu, Peng Wang, Fengqun Zhao, Haonan Wang and Yuxin Li
Metals 2019, 9(6), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/met9060621 - 28 May 2019
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4473
Abstract
Friction stir welding (FSW) material flow has an important influence on weld formation. The finite element model of the FSW process was established. The axial force and the spindle torque of the welding process were collected through experiments. The feasibility of the finite [...] Read more.
Friction stir welding (FSW) material flow has an important influence on weld formation. The finite element model of the FSW process was established. The axial force and the spindle torque of the welding process were collected through experiments. The feasibility of the finite element model was verified by a data comparison. The temperature field of the welding process was analyzed hierarchically. It was found that the temperature on the advancing side is about 20 °C higher than that on the retreating side near the welding seam, but that the temperature difference between the two sides of the middle and lower layers was decreased. The particle tracking technique was used to study the material flow law in different areas of the weld seam. The results showed that part of the material inside the tool pin was squeezed to the bottom of the workpiece. The material on the upper surface tends to move downward under the influence of the shoulder extrusion, while the material on the lower part moves spirally upward under the influence of the tool pin. The material flow amount of the advancing side is higher than that of the retreating side. The law of material flow reveals the possible causes of the welding defects. It was found that the abnormal flow of materials at a low rotation speed and high welding speed is prone to holes and crack defects. The forming reasons and material flow differences in different regions are studied through the microstructure of the joint cross section. The feasibility of a finite element modeling and simulation analysis is further verified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Welded Joints)
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18 pages, 9097 KiB  
Article
Interface Characterization of Ultrasonic Spot-Welded Mg Alloy Interlayered with Cu Coating
by Amir Badamian, Chihiro Iwamoto, Shigeo Sato and Suguru Tashiro
Metals 2019, 9(5), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/met9050532 - 08 May 2019
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2845
Abstract
The effect of Cu coating metallic interlayer on the weldability, joint strength, and interfacial microstructure during high-power ultrasonic spot welding (HP-USW) of AZ31B Mg alloy has been studied. Interlayered samples exhibited good weldability and they resulted in strong sound joints with nearly the [...] Read more.
The effect of Cu coating metallic interlayer on the weldability, joint strength, and interfacial microstructure during high-power ultrasonic spot welding (HP-USW) of AZ31B Mg alloy has been studied. Interlayered samples exhibited good weldability and they resulted in strong sound joints with nearly the same strength as joints without interlayer, with the distinction of lower energy being required. The Cu interlayer affected the thermal and vibrational properties of the interface, as the maximum interface temperature decreased and approached better uniformity across the weld nugget. The base metal grain structure changed to equiaxed larger grains after ultrasonic welding and a chain of parent metal small grains were observed around the interface. A binary intermetallic compound product of Mg-Cu, which was rich in Mg, has been found around the interface that was diffused toward base metal. According to the electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) results, alongside temperature measurements and hardness data, the formation of Mg2Cu is suggested in this region. At the interface centerline, a narrow region was identified that was composed of Mg, Cu, and Al. Complementary transmission electron microscopy analysis estimated that Al-containing reaction product is a ternary alloy of the MgCuxAly type. The dispersion of fine grain intermetallic compounds as discrete particles inside Mg substrate in both interfacial regions formed a composite like structure that could participate in joint strengthening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Welded Joints)
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14 pages, 15995 KiB  
Article
Effects of a Post-Weld Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of a Friction-Stir-Welded Beryllium-Copper Alloy
by Yeongseok Lim, Kwangjin Lee and Sangdon Moon
Metals 2019, 9(4), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/met9040461 - 19 Apr 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4754
Abstract
This paper investigated the microstructure and mechanical properties of a friction-stir-welded beryllium-copper alloy, which is difficult to weld with conventional fusion welding processes. Friction stir welding (FSW) was successfully conducted with a tungsten-carbide (WC) tool. Sound joints without defects were obtained with a [...] Read more.
This paper investigated the microstructure and mechanical properties of a friction-stir-welded beryllium-copper alloy, which is difficult to weld with conventional fusion welding processes. Friction stir welding (FSW) was successfully conducted with a tungsten-carbide (WC) tool. Sound joints without defects were obtained with a tool rotational speed of 700 RPM and tool travel speed of 60 mm/min. A post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) of the FSW joints was performed to analyze the evolution of the microstructure at 315 °C for a half, one, two, three, four, five and eight hours, respectively. The microstructures of the joints were observed using an optical microscope (OM), a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Observed softening of microstructure is suggested to be due to the dissolution of the strengthening precipitates during the FSW process, whereas the strength of the joints was recovered via the formation of the CuBe (γ′) phase during the post-weld heat treatment. However, the strength was decreased upon an excessive post-weld heat treatment exceeding three hours. It is considered that the formation of the γ phase and the coarse γ′ phase contributed to the reduction in the strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Welded Joints)
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9 pages, 3385 KiB  
Article
Effects of Cerium on Weld Solidification Crack Sensitivity of 441 Ferritic Stainless Steel
by Shuangchun Zhu and Biao Yan
Metals 2019, 9(3), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/met9030372 - 22 Mar 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2841
Abstract
The addition of rare earth element Ce in ferritic stainless steel can improve the high temperature performance to meet the service requirements of automobile exhaust systems at high temperatures. Automobile exhaust systems are generally applied as welded pipes, so it is necessary to [...] Read more.
The addition of rare earth element Ce in ferritic stainless steel can improve the high temperature performance to meet the service requirements of automobile exhaust systems at high temperatures. Automobile exhaust systems are generally applied as welded pipes, so it is necessary to study the effect of Ce on the weldability of ferritic stainless steel. In this study, the Trans-varestraint test method was used to test the solidification crack sensitivities of 441 and 441Ce ferritic stainless steel. The 441Ce steel, which has added Ce, showed poor resistance to weld solidification cracking. Using Thermo-Calc software, Ce was observed to expand the solidification temperature range of 441 ferritic stainless steel, increase the time for solid–liquid coexistence during solidification, and increase the sensitivity of solidification cracking. Further, from scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer analysis, the addition of Ce was found to reduce high temperature precipitation (Ti,Nb)(C,N), reduce or even eliminate the “pinning” effect during solidification, and increase solidification crack sensitivity of 441 ferritic stainless steel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Welded Joints)
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10 pages, 9397 KiB  
Article
Effect of Forced Air Cooling on the Microstructures, Tensile Strength, and Hardness Distribution of Dissimilar Friction Stir Welded AA5A06-AA6061 Joints
by Guangjian Peng, Qi Yan, Jiangjiang Hu, Peijian Chen, Zhitong Chen and Taihua Zhang
Metals 2019, 9(3), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/met9030304 - 07 Mar 2019
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3897
Abstract
Friction stir welding (FSW) is a promising welding method for welding dissimilar materials without using welding flux. In the present work, 5A06-H112 and 6061-T651 aluminium alloys were successfully welded by friction stir welding with forced air cooling (FAC) and natural cooling (NC). Nanoindentation [...] Read more.
Friction stir welding (FSW) is a promising welding method for welding dissimilar materials without using welding flux. In the present work, 5A06-H112 and 6061-T651 aluminium alloys were successfully welded by friction stir welding with forced air cooling (FAC) and natural cooling (NC). Nanoindentation tests and microstructure characterisations revealed that forced air cooling, which can accelerate the cooling process and suppress the coarsening of grains and the dissolution of precipitate phases, contributes to strengthening and narrowing the weakest area of the joint. The tensile strength of joints with FAC were commonly improved by 10% compared to those with NC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the fracture surface elucidated that FSW with FAC tended to increase the number and reduce the size of the dimples. These results demonstrated the advantages of FSW with FAC in welding heat-sensitive materials and provide fresh insight into welding industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Welded Joints)
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13 pages, 6077 KiB  
Article
Microstructure and Properties of Spot Welded Joints of Hot-Stamped Ultra-High Strength Steel Used for Automotive Body Structures
by Zhixia Qiao, Huijun Li, Lianjin Li, Xiaoyu Ran and Liwen Feng
Metals 2019, 9(3), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/met9030285 - 02 Mar 2019
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3464
Abstract
Hot-stamped ultra-high strength steels have been widely used in automobile structural parts. Considering the high splash tendency in resistance spot welding due to their extremely high hardness, in this work, microstructural characteristics and mechanical performance of the resistance spot welded ultra-high strength steels [...] Read more.
Hot-stamped ultra-high strength steels have been widely used in automobile structural parts. Considering the high splash tendency in resistance spot welding due to their extremely high hardness, in this work, microstructural characteristics and mechanical performance of the resistance spot welded ultra-high strength steels are investigated. The results indicate that the interface between the nugget and heat-affected zone (HAZ) is the weakest zone where fractures initiate. In tensile shearing tests, a qualified spot welding joint failed with a button-shaped fracture. Welding defects would significantly decrease the load-carrying capacity and lead to interfacial fracture, except for a button-shaped fracture. In spot welding, it was found that a specific mid-frequency alternating current (AC) input mode, in which a 6 ms cooling cycle was inserted between every two neighboring current pulses, can avoid the splash in the spot welding of hot-stamped hardened steels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Welded Joints)
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