Effects of magnesium content on dual beam Nd : YAG laser welding of Al – Mg alloys

Abstract

The effects of Mg content on the weldability of aluminium alloy sheet using the dual-beam Nd:YAG laser welding process have been studied by making bead-on-plate welds on 1.6 mm thick AA 1100, AA 5754 (3.2 wt-%Mg) and AA 5182 (4.6 wt-%Mg) alloy sheets. Whereas all full-penetration laser welds made in 1100 aluminium were of excellent quality,many of the welds produced in the aluminium–magnesium alloys exhibited rough, spiky underbead surfaces with drop-through and undercut. A limited range of process variables was found, however, that allowed welds with acceptable weld bead quality to be produced in the 5754 and the 5182 alloy sheet. Goodwelds were only produced in these alloys if the lead/lag laser beam power ratio was ≥1. Weld penetration and the maximum welding speed allowing full penetration keyhole-mode welding were observed to increase with Mg content. This was attributed to the effect of Mg on the vapour pressure within the keyhole and the surface tension of the Al–Mg alloys. Significant occluded vapour porosity was seen in the 5754 and 5182 alloy welds with borderline penetration; however, there was no evidence of porosity in the acceptable full-penetration welds with smooth underbead surfaces. Hardness profiles in the 5754 and 5182 welds showed a gradual increase in hardness from the base metal values through the heat affected zone (HAZ) to a peak in hardness in the weld metal adjacent the fusion boundary. It is possible that this increase in hardness may be the result of the presence of Mg₂Al₃ or metastable Mg₂Al₃′ precipitates in this region of the weld and HAZ.     

Relationships between weld parameters,hardness distribution and temperature history in alloy 7050 friction stir welds

Abstract

Aluminium alloy 7050 was friction stir welded using three different ratios of tool rotation rate to weld travel speed. Welds were made using travel speeds of between 0·85 and 5·1 mm s^?1. Weld power and torque were recorded for each weld. An FEM simulation was used to calculate the time–temperature history for a subset of the welds. For each weld the hardness distribution with and without post-weld heat treatment was determined. The hardness distributions within the welds are rationalised based on the friction stir welding parameters and the resulting temperature histories. The analysis provides a basis for manipulation of weld parameters to achieve desired properties.     

Friction stir welding of DH36 steel

Abstract

Hot rolled DH36 carbon steel, 6.4 mm in thickness, was friction stir welded at speeds of 3.4 mm s^-1 (8 in min^-1), 5.1 mm s^-1 (12 in min^-1), and 7.6 mm s^-1 (18 in min^-1). Single pass welds free of volumetric defects were produced at each speed. The relationships between welding parameters and weld properties are discussed. Optical microscopy, microhardness testing, and transverse and longitudinal tensile tests have been performed. Bainite and martensite are found in the nugget region of the friction stir welds whereas the base material is comprised of ferrite and pearlite. The maximum hardness is observed in the weld nugget, and the hardness decreases gradually from the weld nugget, through the heat affected zone, to the base metal. Tensile testing also indicates overmatching of the weld metal relative to the base metal. Maximum hardness and longitudinal (all weld metal) tensile strengths increase with increasing welding speeds. Weld transverse tensile strengths are governed by the base metal properties, as all transverse tensile bars fail in the base metal.     

Microstructural characterisation of stir zone containing residual ferrite in friction stir welded 304 austenitic stainless steel

Abstract

Friction stir welding was applied to a 2 mm thick 304 austenitic stainless steel plate. The microstructural evolution and hardness distribution in the weld were investigated. The stir zone (SZ) and thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ) showed dynamically recrystallised and recovered microstructures, respectively, which are typically observed in friction stir welds in aluminium alloys. The hardness of the SZ was higher than that of the base material and the maximum hardness was observed at the TMAZ. The higher hardness at the TMAZ was attributed to high densities of dislocations and subboundaries. Microstructural observations revealed that the ferrite was formed along grain boundaries of the austenite matrix in the advancing side of the SZ. It is suggested that the frictional heat due to stirring resulted in the phase transformation of austenite to ferrite and that upon rapid cooling the ferrite was retained in the SZ.     

Solidification and microstructure modelling of welds in aluminium alloys 5754 and 6111

Abstract

A solidification and microstructure modelling approach has been developed to predict weld metal and heat affected zone (HAZ) characteristics. The freezing range and phase evolution in the weld metal region were predicted using thermodynamic and diffusion controlled growth calculations. The calculated freezing range was correlated with the weld solidification cracking tendency. A simplified analytical model was suggested to describe thermal cycles that are experienced by the HAZ. This analytical model was coupled with a published microstructure model for age hardenable alloys to predict the hardness variations across the HAZ. The above integrated approach was evaluated using experimental welds made on non­age hardenable 5754 (Al–Mg) and age hardenable 6111 (Al–Mg–Si) alloys using gas tungsten arc, electron beam, and gas metal arc welding processes.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded aluminium alloys with special reference to AA 5083 and AA 6082

Abstract

Aluminium alloys AA 5083 and AA 6082 have been friction stir welded and the mechanical properties and microstructures of the welds have been evaluated. Alloy AA 5083 mainly fractured near the centre of the weld, while fracture in AA 6082 mainly occurred in the heat affected zone. The tensile strength of welded joints in AA 6082 was lower than the base material strength, but still met classification societies' requirements. Hardness was approximately constant across the welded zone in AA 5083, while a minimum in hardness was found in the AA 6082 welds. The location of the fracture closely matched the minimum hardness region. Very fine scale precipitation in AA 6082 was significantly affected by the weld thermal cycle. In the zone of lowest hardness, the hardening precipitate (β″-Mg₅Si₆) had transformed to the non-hardening β′-Mg_1.7Si. This is probably the main reason for the minimum in hardness, the fracture location, and the decreased tensile strength. Results are compared to a similar investigation of aluminium alloy AA 7075.     

Fatigue crack growth under a constant amplitude loading of Al-6061-T6 welds obtained by modified indirect electric arc technique

Abstract

The characteristics of the fatigue crack growth in the base metal, weld metal and heat affected zone (HAZ) were quantified by testing compact type specimens of 6061-T6 welds obtained by the modified indirect electric arc technique. The fatigue crack growth depends on the microstructure imposed by the welding thermal cycle and it was observed that in the HAZ the crack growth rate is lower than that in the weld metal, but higher than that in the base metal. Microhardness maps revealed that this behaviour is due to the formation of a larger plastic zone around of the crack tip produced by loss of hardening. A comparison of fatigue crack growth of weld metal and HAZ for modified indirect electric arc and friction stir welding shows that the weld metal produced by friction stir welding exhibits better resistance to crack propagation, but both processes behaved similarly in the HAZ.     

Welding behaviour,microstructure and mechanical properties of dissimilar resistance spot welds between galvannealed HSLA350 and DP600 steels

Abstract

Resistance spot welding experiments were conducted on dissimilar material combination of HSLA350/DP600 steels. The welds were characterised using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The fusion zone of the dissimilar material spot weld was predominantly martensitic with some bainite. Mechanical properties were also determined by tensile shear, cross tension and fatigue tests. The performance of dissimilar material spot weld was different from that of the similar ones in each of the HSLA350 and DP600 steels and exhibited different heat affected zone hardness. The DP600 weld properties played a dominating role in the microstructure and tensile properties of the dissimilar material spot welds. However, the fatigue performance of the dissimilar welds was similar to that of the HSLA350 welds. Fatigue tests on the dissimilar material spot welds showed that the 5·5 mm diameter nugget exhibited higher fatigue strength than the 7·5 mm diameter nugget.     

Structural evolution of pulsed Nd-YAG laser welds of AISI 1006 steel

Abstract

Although correlations of welding parameters with the metallurgical features of conventional fusion welds in low carbon steels are well established, information on process–structure–property relationships associated with pulsed laser welds is more limited. This paper presents results on the characterisation of weld metal and heat affected zone (HAZ) microstructures observed in laser welded AISI 1006 steel. Pulsed Nd-YAG laser welds in the bead on plate configuration were used for this purpose, both in overlapping and non-overlapping bead configurations. As very rapid heating and cooling cycles occur during laser welding, the microstructures observed in the weld metal are the result of rapid solidification producing thin columnar austenite grains extending from the fusion boundary, which transform to martensite and bainite during fast cooling to ambient temperature. The HAZ structure in the base plate can also be rationalised in terms of the rapid thermal cycling experienced. The HAZ is narrow with the intercritical reheated subzone being dominant. As microstructural development has a critical effect on the mechanical properties of welds, microstructural characterisation plays an integral role not only in the understanding of pulsed laser welding, but also in the selection of optimum welding conditions for the material of interest.     

Optimisation of friction stir welding process parameters to weld cast aluminium alloy A413 – an experimental approach

Abstract

A413 is a high strength eutectic aluminium silicon cast alloy used in the food, chemical, marine, electrical and automotive industries. Fusion welding of these cast alloys can lead to problems such as porosity, microfissuring and hot cracking, etc. However, friction stir welding can be used to weld these cast alloys effectively, without defects. In this investigation, an attempt was made to optimise the friction stir welding process parameters for joining the cast aluminium alloy A413. Joints were made using four levels each of tool rotation speed, welding speed and axial force. The quality of the weld zone was analysed using macrostructure and microstructure analysis. Tensile strength of the joints were evaluated and correlated with the weld zone hardness and microstructure. The joint fabricated using a tool rotation speed of 900 rev min^?1, a welding speed of 75 mm min^?1 and an axial force of 3 kN showed the best tensile strength.     

Development of friction stir welding of high strength steel sheet

Abstract

For friction stir welding (FSW) of advanced high strength steel (AHSS) sheets with tensile strength grades between 590 and 1180?N?mm^?2, the appropriate welding condition range and the influence of welding conditions on microstructures and mechanical properties of the welds were investigated. The appropriate welding conditions to avoid defects such as the incomplete consolidation at the bottom of the weld were obtained for the steel sheets up to 1180?N?mm^?2 grade. The higher tool rotation speed evidently resulted in the larger volume fraction of martensite and higher hardness in the stir zone (SZ), attributed to an increase in the peak temperature of its thermal cycle. The tensile strength of the weld joint was as high as that of the base metal for the steels up to 980?N?mm^?2 grade, but slightly lower than that of the base metal for the steel of 1180?N?mm^?2 grade due to the heat affected zone (HAZ) softening.     

Laser and laser assisted arc welding processes for DH 36 microalloyed steel ship plate

Abstract

A series of laser and laser assisted metal inert gas (MIG) welds was produced from a common plate. Each weld was mechanically tested, and the welds showed broadly similar properties, except for the autogenous CO₂ laser weld metal, which had poorer toughness. This was related to a harder weld metal microstructure. Toughness and hardness were related to the lath width of the ferrite, for the welds involved. The weld metal area/volume was used as an indicator of potential distortion. In this instance, the autogenous CO₂ laser weld was superior to the CO₂ laser assisted MIG weld which was better than the Nd:YAG laser assisted MIG weld. Each weld was examined using carbon extraction replicas in the TEM, and also using an SEM with an EDAX attachment. A number of inclusions and precipitates were observed, identified and sized. It was concluded that the particles observed were not detrimental in this specific case. A tentative relationship was established between parent plate inclusion size distribution and weld metal inclusion size distribution.     

Occurrence of bay area in submerged arc welds

Abstract

An experimental study has been carried out to evaluate the effect of submerged arc welding parameters on the formation of a bay area in the heat affected zone of bead on plate welds in ASTM A36 steel. It was observed that the formation of weld beads having a bay area is influenced by the heat distribution from the arc, which in turn is determined by the welding conditions. The effect of the welding parameters on the weld bead formation is discussed in terms of the arc operation modes and the resulting heat distributions.     

H62黄铜搅拌摩擦焊接头微观结构及性能

对6 mm厚度的H62黄铜搅拌摩擦焊(FSW)焊缝的微观组织、力学性能进行了研究,测试并比较了焊缝和母材金属的动电位和电阻率在热-力作用下的变化.结果表明,焊缝金属经热和机械力的作用后,焊核区、热力影响区和热影响区的平均晶粒尺寸较母材的35.6μm均有细化,依次为3.8,22.2,30.6μm,反应在力学性能上焊核区硬度最高,拉伸断裂发生在硬度较低的前进侧,在微观断口中存在大量尺寸不均的网状韧窝;焊缝的腐蚀电位较母材有所提高,腐蚀电流密度降低,电阻率高于母材.     

Microstructure,hardness and residual stress distribution in maraging steel gas tungsten arc weldments

Abstract

The distribution of residual stresses due to welding has been studied in maraging steel welds. Gas tungsten arc welding process was used and the effect of filler metal composition on the nature of residual stress distribution has been investigated using X-ray diffraction technique with Cr K_α radiation. Three types of filler materials were used, they include: maraging filler, austenitic stainless steel and medium alloy medium carbon steel filler metal. In the case of maraging steel weld, medium alloy medium carbon filler, the residual stress at the centre of the weld zone was more compressive while, less compressive stresses have been identified in the heat affected zone of the parent metal adjacent to the weld metal. But, in the case of austenitic stainless steel filler the residual stresses at the centre of the weld and heat affected zone were tensile. Post-weld aging treatment reduced the magnitude of stresses. The observed residual stress distribution across the weldments has been correlated with microstructure and hardness distribution across the weld.     

Influence of laser beam variables on AZ91D weld fusion zone microstructure

Abstract

The influence of the laser beam variables on rapidly solidified magnesium alloy AZ91D weld microstructures was investigated using a continuous 1.2 kW Nd-YAG laser. To generate two- or three-dimensional heat flow thermal cycles, 2 mm thickness specimens were bead on plate welded using a focused 0.7 mm beam, 600 and 900 W power, and travel speeds from 10 to 110 mm s^-1. The fusion zones were examined via microscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and tested for microhardness. Fusion zone dimensions were first measured and correlated with laser beam variables, and then used to estimate weld solidification times from well known formulations. Measurements showed that fusion zone hardness increased considerably for short solidification times (of the order of 15 ms). Hardness was lower near the fusion line, but greater where the last liquid solidified. Using EDS and XRD it was demonstrated that short solidification times led to greater fractions of redistributed aluminium in the last liquid left at the weld surface when heat flow was three-dimensional. Hardness was correlated not only with β-Mg₁₇Al₁₂ fractions, but also with finer microstructures, consistent with the Mg-Al phase equilibria and concepts of solidification.     

Microstructures and properties of friction stir spot welded DP590 dual phase steel sheets

DP590 steel sheets were joined by friction stir spot welding using polycrystalline cubic boron nitride tool with an objective to produce bond diameters similar to conventional spot welding nuggets. A range of spindle rotation (400–2400 rev min^?1) and plunge speeds (0·03–3·8 mm s^?1) were exercised to attain defect free welds in 1·6 mm thick sheets. A bond diameter of 4t^1/2, alike minimum nugget diameter criteria for resistance spot welds, resulted in superior mechanical properties than conventional spot welds. The heat inputs corresponding to different welding parameters influenced the weld microstructure, including grain size, phases and their morphology. The bond diameter was higher for higher heat inputs. However, low heat input welds with weld time cycles ～4 s produced more refined microstructure and exhibited similar strengths even with reduced bond size. Plug type failure was associated with larger bond diameters (～7·1 mm), while interfacial failure was observed with smaller welds (～5·4 mm).     

Effect of energy transfer modes on solidification cracking in pulsed laser welding

Abstract

In this study, solidification cracking in pulsed laser welding of fully austenitic, AISI Type 316 stainless steel has been analysed at different energy transfer modes. The pulse parameters have been selected appropriately to obtain conduction, transition and keyhole mode welds. Conduction and transition mode welds exhibit higher susceptibility to cracking than keyhole mode welds. It is observed that both heat input and energy transfer mode affect the cooling rate and hence influence solidification cracking. Microstructures of the fusion zone have been analysed, and the cooling rate experienced by the weld is estimated from the mean cell size in the weld. It is found that the critical cooling rate below which cracking does not occur is ～10⁴ K s^??1.     

Microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of Al–Mg–Si alloy self-reacting friction stir welded joints

The 5?mm thick Al–Mg–Si alloy was self-reacting friction stir welded using the specially designed tool at a constant rotation speed of 400?rev?min^?1 with various welding speeds. Defect-free welds were successfully obtained with welding speeds ranging from 150 to 350?mm?min^?1, while pore defects were formed in the weld nugget zone (WNZ) at a welding speed of 450?mm?min^?1. Band patterns were observed at the advancing side of WNZ. Grain size and distribution of the precipitated phase in different regions of the joints varied depending on the welding speed. The hardness of the weld was obviously lower than that of the base metal, and the lowest hardness location was in the heat affected zone (HAZ). Results of transverse tensile tests indicated that the defective joint fractured in the WNZ with the lowest tensile strength, while the fracture location of the defect-free joints changed to the HAZ.     

Microstructure and properties of as welded duplex stainless steel

Abstract

Butt welds of duplex stainless steel plate (grade 2205) have been produced using grade 2209 consumables for a variety of welding processes employed in the shipbuilding industry. The welding processes were used initially with interpass temperatures in the range 250–350°C. When the interpass temperature was controlled to below 150°C, the average ferrite content increased in the weld metal and in the heat affected zone (HAZ). Controlling the interpass temperature did not dramatically affect the properties in the mechanical tests performed. Heat inputs were in some instances higher than those used previously, but this did not adversely affect weld metal and HAZ properties. No evidence of intermetallic phase precipitation was found, by TEM of thin foils, in any of the weld metal in the processes used. There was evidence of fine particle precipitation of M₂₃C₆ in the HAZ regions. The level of precipitation observed is acceptable for the final application as all the mechanical test and corrosion test requirements were comfortably met. There was evidence that the HAZ was an area of higher strain: dislocation density was high and deformation bands, twinning, and stacking faults were present.