Application of response surface methodology for weld strength prediction in laser welding of polypropylene/clay nanocomposite

Welding as a fabrication process can be used to join materials, including composite and nanocomposites and laser welding process due to its advantages has found wide applications in this field. Its process parameters can play a significant role in determining the weld strength of laser-welded joints in polypropylene/clay nanocomposites. In this study, the effect of laser welding parameters, such as laser power, welding speed and focal position along with the clay content in a polypropylene/clay nanocomposite on weld strength were determined using response surface methodology. This methodology was applied for developing a mathematical model which can predict the main effects of the above parameters and their impacts on tensile strength of butt-welded laser joints in 2-mm thick polypropylene/clay nanocomposite sheets. The analysis of variance was performed to check the adequacy of the developed model. A comparison was also made between the predicted and actual results. The results showed that weld strength decreased when clay content was increased from 0 to 6 %, but welding speed increased from 30 to 60 mm/s. The above parameters were also optimized to achieve a high strength welded joint.     

化学镀镍316不锈钢激光焊接裂纹研究

通过调整镀液中磷酸钠的质量浓度,在316不锈钢表面化学镀得到P质量分数分别为1.2％、2.3％和3.4％的镍镀层.对镀镍316不锈钢进行激光焊接实验,得到较佳的工艺参数为:激光功率50 W,脉冲宽度60 ns,焊接速率200 mm/s.当镀层中磷的质量分数为1.2％时,焊缝中无裂纹,剪切强度为242 MPa.随镀层中磷...     

Experimental study of initial strengths and hygrothermal degradation of adhesive joints between thin aluminum and steel substrates

Growing usage of lightweight materials such as Al and Mg alloys and composites in automotive body manufacturing has come to a point that bonding of dissimilar materials is a realistic problem to address. A significant issue related to the bonding of dissimilar materials is that the differences in substrate surface conditions, substrate chemical and physical properties often lead to bond failure at strength levels far less than the bond strength established by the adhesive manufacturer for a balanced joint. This research experimentally studied several important factors influencing initial shear strengths and hygrothermal degradation of adhesively-bonded single lap shear (SLS) joints. The effects of surface treatments such as lubrication and zinc coating on the substrates were first investigated. It was observed that even a very small change in the amount of lubricant applied to an aluminum alloy affected the initial shear strength. On the other hand, varying the amount of mill oil on a galvanized steel surface had little effect. Next, the comparative study of the initial joint strength between electro-galvanized (EG) steels and hot dipped galvanized (HDG) steels revealed that the two coatings exhibited no difference in terms of the initial strength. Also, various combinations of aluminum alloys and steel substrates were studied to observe the effect of substrate materials. It revealed that the strength of a dissimilar joint constructed of a strong substrate and relatively weak substrate fell below the strength of the like-material joint made of the relatively strong substrate, and was closer to the strength of the like-material joint composed of the relatively weak substrate. Ageing tests were performed on SLS joints at various temperatures with and without humidity. The shear strength barely changed after 60-days of exposure at various temperatures with room humidity, but degraded significantly at high temperature with high humidity.     

Development of bond strength model for FRP plates using back‐propagation algorithm

For the flexural reinforcement of bridge and building structure, synthetic materials whose dynamic properties are superior and those containing the merit of corrosion‐proof are widely used as the substitute for a steel plate. Since FRP plate has improved bond strength owing to the fibers externally adhering to the plate, many researches regarding the bond strength improvement have been substantially performed. To search out such bond strength improvement, previous researchers had ever examined the bond strength of FRP plate through their experiment by setting up many variables. However, since the experiment for a research on the bond strength takes much of expenditure for setting up the equipment and is time‐consuming, also is difficult to be carried out, it is limitedly conducted. The purpose of this study was to develop the most suitable artificial neural network model by application of various neural network models and algorithm to the data of the bond strength experiment conducted by previous researchers. Many variables were used as input layers against bond strength: depth, width, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength of FRP plate and the compressive strength, tensile strength, and width of concrete. The developed artificial neural network model has been applied back‐propagation, and its error was learned to be converged within the range of 0.001. Besides, the process for the over‐fitting problem has been dissolved by Bayesian technique. The verification on the developed model was executed by comparison with the test results of bond strength made by other previous researchers, which was never been utilized to the learning as yet. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 5119–5127, 2006     

Elastoplastic finite element stress analysis and strength evaluation of adhesive lap joints of hollow shafts subjected to tensile loads

The stress distributions in adhesive lap joints of dissimilar hollow shafts subjected to tensile loads have been analyzed by the elastoplastic finite element method, taking the nonlinear behaviors of the adhesive and the hollow shafts into consideration. A prediction method for the joint strength has been proposed based on the Mises equivalent stress distribution in the adhesive and the frictional resistance between the adhesive and the shaft after rupture of the adhesive. In the experiments, three different kinds of adhesive lap joints were made, i.e. the inner and outer hollow shafts were aluminum alloy/aluminum alloy, steel/steel, and steel/aluminum alloy combinations, and the tensile strength of each joint was measured. From the numerical calculations, in the case of the two hollow shafts made of the same material, the tensile strength increases with an increase of Young's modulus of the shaft and in the case of the two hollow shafts made of different materials, the tensile strength increases when the inner hollow shaft of larger Young's modulus is bonded to the outer one of smaller Young's modulus. Also, the effects of the overlap length and the inner diameter of the inner shaft on the tensile strength of the joint are discussed. By comparing the predicted values of the tensile strength with the experimental results, it was shown that the proposed prediction method could estimate the tensile strength of the adhesive lap joints of hollow shafts within an error of about 15%.     

Strength and Microstructure of Solvent Welded Joints of Polycarbonate

The relationship of joint strength of solvent welded joints of polycarbonate to their microstructure is investigated. We used three solvents - butanone, acetone, and cyclohexanone - to test the effect of solubility parameters, and a mixture of cyclohexanone with ethanol to test the effect of a cosolvent; the effect of variation of welding temperature-on both the joint strength and the microstructure is also investigated. Three fracture modes in shear, tensile and tear tests are analyzed. Polycarbonate treated with butanone has maximum joint strength. Cyclohexanone at 78 vol% in ethanol produces the maximum joint strength of polycarbonate. The joint strength of polycarbonate joints welded with cyclohexanone increases with the temperature at which the weld is made. Comparing microstructure with joint strength, tongues, equiaxed dimples and elongated dimples are responsible for the maximum shear, tensile and tear strength, respectively.     

Mode-II fracture properties of CFRP/steel composite structure reinforced by short aramid fibers

Abstract

To obtain a good bonding strength of steel/CFRP adhesive joint, the steel surface was machined by grooving process. Short aramid fibers were mixed into the adhesive layer to achieve the further adhesion strength. In the pressing process of steel/CFRP specimen preparation, short aramid fibers with the diameter of several micrometers could be embedded in the grooved gap and the rough surface of CFRP. The higher strength aramid fibers had been not only improved interfacial strength of steel/epoxy and CFRP/epoxy, but also reinforced the adhesive layer due to the bridging activities of aramid fibers. In this study, Mode II fracture strength of grooved-steel/CFRP adhesive joints was investigated by end-notch bending test. The ultimate load and fracture energy of specimens have been improved by 15.7 and 6.8%, in comparison to specimens with smooth steel surface, respectively. The reinforcing mechanisms of CFRP/steel bonding joint as a result of short aramid fibers were discussed according to the failure modes of specimens, and scanning electron microscopy observation and experimental results were carried out.     

Dynamic strength of single lap joints with similar and dissimilar adherends

The increased use of adhesives for joining structural parts demands a thorough understanding of their load carrying capacity. The strength of the adhesive joints depends on several factors such as the joint geometry, adhesive type, adherend properties and also on the loading conditions. Particularly polymer based adhesives exhibit sensitivity to loading rate and therefore it is important to understand their behavior under impact like situations. The effect of similar versus dissimilar adherends on the dynamic strength of adhesive lap joints is addressed in this study. The dynamic strength is evaluated using the split-cylinder lap joint geometry in a split Hopkinson pressure bar setup. The commercial adhesive Araldite 2014 is used for preparing the joints. The adherend materials considered included steel and aluminum. The results of the study indicated that the dynamic strength of the lap joint is influenced by the adherend material and also by the adherent combination. Even in the case of joints with similar adherends, the strength was affected by the adherend type. The strength of steel–steel joints was higher than that for aluminum–aluminum joints. In the case of dissimilar adherends, the strength was lower than that of the case of similar adherends. The results of this study indicate that the combination of adherend material should also be accounted for while designing lap joints.     

Laser welding of niobium to AISI 304 steel using a copper interlayer

Abstract

Cu interlayers with thicknesses of 1, 1.5, and 2?mm were used to join niobium and AISI 304 steel. Fractures occurred in the weld, the Nb base metal, and the unmelted Cu interlayer when the Cu interlayer thickness was 1, 1.5, and 2?mm, respectively. When the thickness of the Cu interlayer was 1?mm, the weld microstructure consisted of austenite with Cu-rich particles along the austenitic grain boundaries and within the austenitic grains, a composite-like structure (the Fe₂Nb lamellae and particles in a γ matrix) embedded with coarse Cu globules, and a mixture of bulk Fe₇Nb₆, Nb-rich dendrites, and Cu matrix. The bulk brittle Fe₇Nb₆ phase embrittled the joint. However, when the thickness of the Cu interlayer was 1.5?mm, the weld microstructure consisted of austenite with Cu-rich precipitates along the austenitic grain boundaries and a Cu-rich phase embedded with Nb-rich particles and dendrites. Solid-solution strengthening of Cu by Fe was responsible for the improved mechanical properties of the joint. The mixture of Nb-rich particles and dendrites in the Cu matrix was also helpful in enhancing the joint strength. Furthermore, when the thickness of the Cu interlayer was 2?mm, the weld microstructure consisted of austenite with Cu-rich precipitates along the austenitic grain boundaries and within the austenitic grains, an unmelted Cu interlayer, and Nb-rich particles and dendrites embedded in a Cu matrix. The unmelted Cu interlayer reduced the joint strength.     

Chemical reactivity of thermo-hardenable steel weld joints investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

The chemical reactivity of oxide-free weld joints made of thermo-hardened carbon steel in different electrolytes was investigated by chronopotentiometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The objective was to identify the role of different electrolyte constituents on the electrochemical behaviour of the different materials constituting the weld joint, namely the weld material, the heat affected zone (HAZ) and the base carbon steel. Hardness measurements by Vickers and nano-indentation techniques indicated that the weld material is harder than the heat affected zone and the base carbon steel due to a Widmanstätten ferrite-type structure of the weld. Electrochemical measurements were performed on polished cross-sections on these weld joints in four electrolytes containing different additives. The weld joints are active in all tested electrolytes and the composition of the electrolytes dictates the dissolution even though the main chemical reactivity mechanism remains unaffected. A balanced presence of oxidative agent, inhibitor and HF in the electrolyte is necessary to obtain a homogeneous chemical attack on weld joint and Si-rich inclusion removal in weld material, while avoiding excessive attack roughening and/or pitting of the carbon steel.     

Strength and bonding mechanisms in vibration-welded polycarbonate to polyetherimide joints

Under the right conditions, high strengths are shown to be achievable in vibration welded polycarbonate to polyetherimide Joints. While welding of thermoplastic interfaces of the same material can be understood in terms of interchain diffusion at elevated temperatures, this mechanism is severely limited in the case of dissimilar materials. Scanning electron microscopy is used to show that part of the bond strength in such dissimilar materials results from mechanical interlocking of the two polymers, which is caused by viscous mixing. The effects of the weld parameters on the weld morphology are considered in detail.     

Joining of sialon ceramics by a stainless steel interlayer

In direct diffusion bonding of sialon to stainless steel, thermal residual stresses arise due to the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion of the two materials. These stresses frequently lead to failure of the bond. This behaviour is further influenced by the formation of interfacial reaction layers between ceramic and metal and the problem is essentially one of asymmetry of stresses in the interface between dissimilar materials. The present study demonstrates that a thin layer of austenitic stainless steel can be used as an interlayer to join two sialon components. In such a case the distribution of residual stresses is symmetrical across the composite join and provided that the thickness of the steel layer is less than a critical value, then fracture on cooling from joining temperature does not occur. The development of this process is described and a finite-element model has been used to predict the properties of the interfacial reaction layer between steel and ceramic which are consistent with the experimental observations.     

Vibration welding of thermoplastics. Part IV: Strengths of poly(butylene terephthalate), polyetherimide,and modified polyphenylene oxide butt welds

In vibration welding of thermoplastics, frictional work done by vibrating two parts under pressure, along their common interface, is used to generate heat to effect a weld. The main process parameters are the weld frequency, the amplitude of the vibratory motion, the weld pressure, and the weld time or weld penetration.; The effects of these parameters on weld quality were systematically studied by first butt welding thermoplastic specimens under controlled conditions, over a wide range of process parameters, and by then determining the strengths and ductilities of these welds by tensile tests. The three thermoplastics investigated are poly (butylene terephthalate), polyetherimide, and modified polyphenylene oxide. Changes in the weld pressure are shown to have opposite effects on the strengths of polyetherimide and modified polyphenylene oxide welds; Also, the weld frequency is shown to have a significant effect on the weldability of polyetherimide. The weldability data for these three thermoplastics are compared with data for polycarbonate. Under the right conditions, the strengths of butt welds in these materials are shown to equal the strength of the virgin polymer.     

Milling as a method of surface pre-treatment of steel for adhesive bonding

The paper analyses the impact of mechanical milling pre-treatment parameters on adhesive joint strength. Comparison of surface roughness of adherends after milling and its effect on adhesive joint strength is analysed in strength tests. The tests were performed on C45 structural steel specimens, which were subjected to machining at different parameters, with two types of milling cutters. Adherends were degreased prior to adhesive joining. Two types of end mills used in tests were NFPaφ20 high-speed steel cutter and R390-020B20-11L indexable milling cutter. The machining was carried out at three cutting speeds: 0.05, 0.15 and 0.30 mm/tooth. Adherends were joined with an adhesive composition of Epidian 57 epoxy resin and Z-1 curing agent.     

Microstructure and bonding strength of tin-based Babbitt alloy on ASTM 1045 steel by MIG arc brazing

The effect of composition of welding wires on the interfacial microstructure and the bonding strength of Babbitt alloys and steel substrate has been studied. A cladding of Sn-based Babbitt alloys was obtained on the surface of medium carbon steel by MIG arc brazing. The microstructure of Babbitt alloys and the interfacial microstructure of the interface between Babbitt alloys and steel substrate have been systematically investigated. The bonding strength of Babbitt and steel substrate has been collected according to the destructive testing method of the bimetallic bonding strength of sliding bearing. Among the three samples, the BW8-4 and steel substrate without no SnSb segregation had the highest bonding strength (83.07 MPa).The reason for the enhancement of the bonding strength was discussed. The IMC layers were harder than the α-Sn matrix so that they can effectively prevent the crack between generating and expanding at the joint part. Then, the bonding strength can be enhanced a lot. However, in samples obtained by BW11-6 and BW8-8, the segregated SnSb phase near the junction which was hard and fragile would result in the concentration of stress. And the SnSb would also lead to the occurrence of brittle fracture in the segregation. So that the bonding strength had been greatly reduced.     

氧气管道异种钢焊接材料选用分析

针对在氧气管道安装监督检验中发现的异种钢焊接材料选用中存在的问题,进行了讨论和分析.提出了合理的异种钢焊材选用方法,碳钢与奥氏体不锈钢焊接选用25-13型焊材是比较适宜的.同时,应制止在氧气管道异种钢焊接时选用18-8型焊材的行为;对采用18-8型焊材的在用氧气管道异种钢焊接接头应加强定期检验,保证氧气管道的安全运行.     

Use of waste tire steel beads in Portland cement concrete

Large quantities of waste tires are generated every year. The proper disposal of the tires creates an increasing problem that needs to be addressed. Many researchers have investigated the use of recycled tire products in several traditional Civil Engineering materials. The use of crumb rubber and tire chips in Portland cement concrete has been the subject of many research projects over the last years. This study is focusing on the use of steel beads, a by-product of the tire recycling process, in concrete mixtures. Different concrete specimens were fabricated and tested in uniaxial compression and splitting tension. The main variable in the mixtures was the volumetric percentage of the steel beads. The experimental results indicate that although the compressive strength is reduced when steel beads are used, the toughness of the material greatly increases. Moreover, the workability of the mixtures fabricated was not significantly affected.     

SAFUREX双相不锈钢与A106B异种钢的焊接

针对SAFUREX双相不锈钢与A106B理化性能,分析该异种钢的焊接性.实际应用表明,选取合适的焊接材料和焊接工艺参数,能够获得性能优良的焊接接头.     

Factors affecting the joint strength of ultrasonically welded polypropylene composites

Ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic composites has become an important process in industry because of its relatively low cost and resultant high quality joints. An experimental study, based on the Taguchi orthogonal array design, is reported on the effect of different processing factors on the joint strength of ultrasonically welded composites, including weld time, weld pressure, amplitude of vibration, hold time, hold pressure, and geometry of energy director. Three materials were used in the study: virgin polypropylene, and 10% and 30% glass‐fiber filled polypropylene composites. Experiments were carried out on a 2000‐Watt ultrasonic welding unit. After welding, the joint strength of the composites was determined by a tensile tester. For the factors selected in the main experiments, weld time, geometry of energy director and amplitude of vibration were found to be the principal factors affecting the joint property of ultrasonically welded thermoplastic composites. Glass‐fiber filled polymers required less energy for successful welding than the non‐filled polymer. The joint strength of welded parts increased with the fiber content in the composites. In addition, a triangular energy director was found to weld parts of the highest strength for virgin polypropylene and 10% glass‐fiber filled polypropylene composites, while a semi‐circular energy director was found to weld the highest strength parts for 30% glass‐fiber filled composites.     

Fatigue strength and failure analysis of weld-bonded joint of stainless steel

Quasi-static tests of spot welded and weld-bonded joints with 1.5 mm-thick SUS304 stainless steel sheets were conducted. Joint weld diameters were measured using scanning acoustic microscopy. Fatigue tests were performed to obtain the fatigue lives of two joint types subjected to different stress levels. The equations of load-life curves were obtained by nonlinear regression using a three parameter power function. Scanning electron microscopy was used to explore fatigue failure mechanisms of the joints. The results illustrate that nugget diameters of weld-bonded joints were smaller than those of spot welded joints. Their shear strength was lower, but weld-bonded joints showed a better fatigue performance than that of spot welded joints. Two fatigue failure modes were observed via testing: eyebrow failure mode and substrate fracture.