Parameter optimization and mechanism of laser–arc hybrid welding of dissimilar Al alloy and stainless steel

Laser–cold metal transfer arc hybrid welding of 6061 Al alloy and AISI304 stainless steel (304SS) was carried out. Bead morphologies and intermetallic compound (IMC) layer characterizations of the joints were studied in detail. The optimal parameter range for accepted bead appearances (OPRBA) without surface and interface defects was obtained, and the growth mechanism of the IMC layer was summarized. The results showed that the nonuniformity in the thickness and shape along the fusion zone/304SS interface from the top surface to the bottom increases with increasing heat input and is more sensitive to laser power because the interface temperature is dominated by a high-temperature laser keyhole throughout the molten pool. As the welding parameters are within the OPRBA and the heat input is within the range of 80–110 J/mm, the joints are stronger than 130 MPa and the corresponding IMC layer thickness is at the range of 3–6.5 μm. The kinetic analysis showed that a controlling interface temperature no more than 1,120 °C may limit the growth of the IMC layer.     

Characteristics of the Friction Between Aluminium and Steel at Elevated Temperatures During Ball-on-Disc Tests

Appropriate specification of the frictional boundary condition for the finite-element (FE) simulation of metal-forming processes is of great importance to the trustworthiness of the results. The research reported in this communication aimed at understanding the interfacial contact between aluminium and steel at elevated temperatures and determining friction coefficients at this material mating. A series of high-temperature ball-on-disc tests were carried out with the AA7475 aluminium alloy as the material of disc and the hardened H11 steel as the material of ball. A mathematical model developed in the preceding research was employed to account for the evolution of the contact interface during ball-on-disc tests. Friction coefficients at different temperatures and over a number of laps were determined. The shear friction stresses and mean contact pressures along with the progress of the tests at 350–500 °C were calculated. It was found that the friction coefficients obtained from ball-on-disc tests alone were insufficient to represent the frictional interaction between deforming aluminium and steel at elevated temperatures. The evolution of the contact interface with increasing sliding distance must be taken into consideration and the friction behaviour can be reasonably characterized by using friction stress.     

Investigation of the effect of diffusion bonding parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of 7075 aluminium alloy

In the present study, diffusion bonding of aluminium alloy (AA7075) sheet materials which are used especially in the automobile and aerospace industry has been investigated at temperatures of 425 and 450 °C and pressures of 2 and 3 MPa for 180 min in argon atmosphere. The microstructural and mechanical properties of bonding have been characterized with different welding parameters such as bonding temperature and pressure. The microstructure was characterized by light optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy, while the mechanical properties were determined by tensile-shear tests and microhardness tests. The results obtained are discussed from both the microstructural and mechanical points of view. It was observed in the microstructural investigations that the interfacial oxide layer decreased with increasing of the bonding temperature and pressure. The maximum shear strength was found to be 131 MPa for the Al 7075 sample bonded at 450 °C and 3 MPa for 180 min. It is shown that in certain extent, the bonding temperature and bonding pressure have great effect on the joint shear strength. With the increasing of bonding temperature and pressure, the shear strength of the joints increases due to diffusion of atoms in the interface. The strength achieved after bonding were dependent on interface grain boundary migration and on grain growth during the bonding process. The maximum hardness value of the Al 7075 sample bonded at 450 °C, 3 MPa for 180 min is 92.5 HV_0.2. Increasing hardness with increasing temperature can be attributed to the formation of metallic bond at high temperatures and pressures.     

Interfacial properties of diffusion bonded Ti-6Al-4V to AISI 304 stainless steel by inserting a Cu interlayer

The joining characteristics of Ti-6Al-4V with AISI 304 stainless steel by inserting a Cu interlayer was investigated in a vacuum-free diffusion bonding process. The diffusion bonds were carried out in the temperature range of 820, 850 and 870°C for 50, 70 and 90 minutes, respectively, under 1 MPa load in argon atmosphere. The joining performances of diffusion bonded Ti-6Al-4V to AISI 304 were studied experimentally. The influence of the insert layer on the microstructure-formed interface region, bonding quality and mechanical properties have also been estimated. The microstructures formed in the diffusion region were observed and determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microhardness across and perpendicular to the interface were measured and the strength of the joints were also determined with lap-shear test.     

Optimization of welding current waveform for dissimilar material with DP590 and Al5052 by Delta-spot welding process

The automotive industry has a target goal to improve fuel consumption due to restricted exhaust gas regulation. For this reason, the applicability of lightweight material, Al alloys, Mg alloys is also being expanded. In this concept, high strength steel, DP590 and light alloy, AL5052 are joined in the right place of the car body. However, it is difficult to join to steel and aluminum by conventional fusion welding. Generally, in respect to dissimilar metal joining by fusion welding, intermetallic compound layer is formed at the joint interface, hot cracking is generated. In this study, the effect of the current waveform on the mechanical characteristics and microstructure in Delta spot welding process of dissimilar metal was investigated. As results, Intermetallic compound (IMC) layer was reduced from 2.355 μm to 1.09 μm by using Delta spot welding process; also the welding current range improved by 50% in the delta spot welding, higher than in the inverter resistance welding. To conclude, the delta spot welding process adopting the process tapes contributes to improving the welding quality for dissimilar metals (Al5052 and DP590) due to a decrease in IMC layer.

     

Overlap conduction laser welding of aluminium to steel

In the present study, a continuous wave fibre laser was used in conduction mode to join aluminium alloys to low carbon steel. Two different sets of experiments were performed: with Zn-coated steel and uncoated steel. Welding was carried out in overlap configuration with steel plate on the top aiming to conduct the heat through the steel and melt the aluminium at the interface, wetting the steel substrate. Metallurgical incompatibilities between these two participating alloys originate the formation of intermetallic phases. Therefore, restricting melting of the aluminium would limit the formation and growth of the intermetallic layer (IML). It was shown that the power density of the laser could be used such that, at the interface, aluminium only melts and the steel remains in solid state. The uncoated steel showed a regular pattern of IML formation, while the Zn-coated steel showed a different pattern of IML.     

Inhibition of intermetallic formation during diffusion bonding of high-carbon steel

Diffusion bonding of high-carbon steel was carried out in vacuum brazing furnace at temperature 900–1,050 °C for 0.5 h under uniaxial load using Ni foil interlayer. Microstructure of assemblies was studied along with effect of diffusion of chemical species in reaction zone and mechanical properties. Microstructure of substrate was changed from martensite to austenite at bonding temperature and subsequently to ferrite–pearlite during cooling to ambient temperature. Diffusion zone did not exhibit formation of any intermetallic compounds. Bond strength was governed by degree of solid solution hardening and contact area of mating surfaces depending on joining parameters. In this respect, maximum ultimate strength of ~532 MPa was obtained along with shear strength of ~792 MPa for the joint processed at 1,050 °C, which was higher than literature reports on martensitic steel.     

一种新型钢铝连接技术的疲劳耐久性能研究

介绍了一种新型钢铝连接技术IW(Intelligence Welding),该技术通过将特制钢钉冲压铆入铝板和特制钢钉与钢板进行点焊两步工艺完成钢板与铝板的连接.为了完善基于连接强度的接头疲劳耐久性能数据,通过疲劳耐久性能试验获取此种钢铝连接技术的接头疲劳耐久性能.结果表明:相同载荷条件下,钢铝IW连接接头的剪切疲劳寿...     

The Finite Element Method in Tribological Studies of Polymer Materials in Tribo-Pair with the Oxide Layer

We present an approach to the analysis of mechanisms of the tribological contact of a thin Al₂O₃ oxide layer formed under hard anodizing conditions on a plate made of the aluminium alloy EN AW-5251. The oxidation of the 50-μm ceramic layer was carried out for 60 min in a three-component electrolyte (SAS), a three-component electrolyte consisting of adipic, sulphuric and oxalic acid, at a temperature of 298.15 K and a current density of 3 A/dm². A three-dimensional oxide coating model, based on the computer analysis of images from a scanning electron microscope, is proposed. Tribological tests of stresses, strains and dislocations formed in the oxide layer and in the sample material (a block) were conducted. Modified polytetrafluoroethylene (TG15, TGK20/5, TMP12) and polyetheretherketone with carbon fibre and graphite were used as samples for tests in the tribological couple rider-plate of a linear reciprocating friction tester. A tribological couple modelled in the Solid Edge CAD programme was subjected to numerical analyses using the finite element method in the Autodesk Simulation Multiphysics programme under conditions consistent with actual conditions for contact pressures of 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 MPa.     

Preparation mechanism and grinding performance of single-layer self-lubrication brazed CBN abrasive wheels

In order to fabricate single-layer self-lubrication brazed cubic boron nitride (CBN) abrasive wheels, brazing experiments of graphite particles and AISI 1045 steel were carried out using Ag–Cu–Ti filler alloy. Optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were employed to characterize the microstructure and phase constitution of the brazing interface between graphite particles and Ag–Cu–Ti alloy. The formation mechanism was discussed. The results show that TiC resultants are formed via the diffusion behavior of Ti atoms and C atoms towards the joining interface. The chemical resultants of TiC have the granular shape at the early stage. Then, they grow across the joining interface between the graphite particle and Ag–Cu–Ti alloy. Finally, the continuous lamellar TiC compounds come into being around the graphite particle. Chemical joining of graphite particles and Ag–Cu–Ti filler alloy is accordingly realized. A comparative experiment displayed that the single-layer self-lubrication brazed CBN abrasive wheel has better performance than the conventional brazed counterpart.     

铝合金与不锈钢热补偿电阻点焊接头性能研究

采用热补偿工艺垫片电阻点焊法对铝合金A5052与不锈钢SUS304异种材料进行了焊接。探讨了焊接参数对接头的抗剪与抗拉性能的影响,并通过电子显微镜对接合界面区进行了观察,分析了界面反应物形貌及厚度分布等微观特性。研究结果显示：一锯齿状反应层在接合界面生成,其厚度随焊接电流以及界面上位置的变化而变化,界面反应层对接头抗剪强度无影响,但能减弱接头抗拉强度。     

Relationship Between Nanoindentation and Wear Properties of Stainless Steel-Reinforced Aluminium Matrix Composite

304 Stainless steel (SS)-reinforced A356 aluminium matrix composites were manufactured by melt infiltration casting. Recycled SS shavings were pressed to obtain porous monoblock preform, and molten Al alloy was infiltrated into vacancies of the preform during casting process. Various preform preheating times (0–60 min) before casting were studied, and the effect of preheating time on relationship between nanoindentation and wear properties of produced composites was discussed. All casting operations were carried out at 730 °C. Fabricated composites were characterized by optical microscope, SEM, FEG-SEM, XRD, EDS, nanoindentation tester and ball-on-disc type tribometer with using Al₂O₃ ball as counterpart. θ-Fe₄Al₁₃ and η-Fe₂Al₅ phases were obtained at the interfaces, except for 60 min preheated sample. These reaction phases increased the hardness, compressive residual stress and consequently wear resistance. On the other hand, when the sample was not preheated or preheated excessively, interface bonding was weakened and crack propagation was occurred. Cracked particles from interfacial phases in these specimens participated wear process and caused increase in wear rate of manufactured composites.     

Optimization of brazing conditions for OFHC Cu and ASTM A501 low carbon steel by taguchi method

This paper concerns the optimization of brazing conditions for joining the two dissimilar materials Oxygen-free high conductivity (OFHC) copper and ASTM A501 low carbon steel usually used for an Oil-Separator of an air-conditioner using Ag-based (BAg) alloy as a brazing filler metal (BFM). A mixture of 70% N₂ and 30% H₂ gases was used to prevent oxidation of the joints during furnace brazing process. Brazing joint clearance, length, temperature, and time were selected as design parameters that have significant effect on the bonding strength of a brazed joint. Taguchi method was used as a statistical technique for design of experiment (DOE) in an attempt to optimize brazing conditions in terms of shear strength. L₉ (3⁴) orthogonal array was designed for conducting the experiments. The relative influence of design parameters and their interaction on the response were also discussed. The experimental results verified that the brazing conditions predicted in this study by Taguchi method could produce the brazed joint between OFHC copper and ASTM A501 low carbon steel with maximum shear strength.     

An investigation of fretting behaviour of several metallic materials under grease lubrication

Fretting wear tests under grease lubrication have been carried out on an aluminium alloy, 52100 steel and low-alloy steel. The sphere–flat contact configuration is used. The influence of the displacement amplitude and normal load is investigated. Comparison between dry and lubricated contact of aluminium alloy, between 52100/52100 steel and 52100/low-alloy steel contact with grease lubrication has been carried out. Results show that grease lubrication strongly affects fretting behaviour. Base oil that separated from the grease during friction may result in accelerated contact wear by fretting.     

Al_2O_3陶瓷与Q235钢的活性钎焊

采用二元Cu-Ti活性钎料连接氧化铝陶瓷与Q235钢,研究了反应温度、保温时间等钎焊工艺对接头组织与接头强度的影响,分析了接头的微观组织和界面产物。试验结果表明,界面分为3层结构,即液态钎料填充陶瓷微孔形成的反应层、合金钎料层、钢侧扩散层。XRD分析结果表明,界面产物为Cu3Ti3O、TiFe、TiFe2和Cu基固溶体。钎焊温度1050℃,保温时间30min时,接头抗剪强度达到99.3MPa。     

电极形状对铝-钢点焊接头组织及力学性能的影响*

研究6061-T6铝合金-SUS301L不锈钢异种金属电阻点焊接头的微观组织特点及电极形状的影响规律。结果表明,铝-钢点焊接头具有熔-钎焊特征,铝合金熔核由α-Al胞状晶、胞状树枝晶和树枝晶组成,铝/钢界面层具有双层结构,靠近铝熔核侧主要为细针状Fe₄Al₁₃,靠近不锈钢侧主要为Fe₂Al₅金属间化合物,接头主要为界面断裂模式,铝/钢界面是点焊接头最薄弱的区域。电极形状对铝合金-不锈钢点焊接头具有明显的影响。获得的优化电极形状为：不锈钢侧为圆形平面电极,电极端面直径为10 mm;铝合金侧为球面电极,球面半径为35 mm。在优化电极条件下,铝合金-不锈钢点焊接头的熔核直径、拉剪力及压痕率分别为7.5 mm、4.7 kN和13.5%。与采用F型电极相比,其熔核直径和拉剪力分别提高53.1%和56.7%,压痕率降低47.3%。因此,采用优化电极更有利于改善铝合金-不锈钢电阻点焊接头的力学性能及表面质量。     

Effect of temperature on the fretting corrosion of tin plated copper alloy contacts

The effect of temperature on the fretting corrosion behaviour of tin plated copper alloy contacts in the temperature range of 25–185 °C, is addressed in this paper. The change in contact resistance with fretting cycles at various temperatures was determined. The contact zone after fretting corrosion test was analyzed using laser scanning microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray spectrometry (EDX), to assess the surface profile, phase content, morphology and compositional changes across the interface. The study reveals that temperature has a greater influence on the extent of fretting corrosion of tin plated copper alloy contacts. The softening of tin is responsible for the extended region of low contact resistance observed at 85 °C. The increase in thickness and the resistance of Cu–Sn intermetallic compounds (IMCs) is responsible for the decrease in surface roughness and the drastic increase in the contact resistance at higher temperatures. The study suggests that the tin plated copper alloy contact system should be considered as copper alloy/IMC/Sn/SnO₂ instead tin plated copper alloy. During fretting corrosion test at elevated temperatures, once the top surface layers are worn out, the contact interface is transformed from tin versus tin-to-tin-intermetallic versus tin-intermetallic. The study concludes that tin plated copper alloy contacts are not suitable for high temperature applications.     

Effect of brazing temperature on the shear strength of Inconel 600 joint

In this study, Inconel 600 alloy was brazed by using Cusil ABA which is an active filler alloy in a high-vacuum condition under a pressure of 1?×?10^?4 Pa. Three brazing temperatures (830, 865, and 900 °C) were chosen based on the solidus temperature of AgCuTi filler alloy in order to investigate the effects of these temperatures on the performance of the brazed joint. Brazing processes were carried out over a period of time (15 min) to ensure that the filler alloy was melted completely. The performance of the brazing process was evaluated in terms of bonding strength by shear test, whereas microstructural analysis was performed to investigate the bonding morphology. The results revealed that a maximum value of shear strength (223.32 MPa) was obtained at a brazing temperature of 865 °C compared with other temperatures. It was also observed morphologically that the highest shear strength was influenced by the formation of two reaction layers that crossed in the center of the brazed area due to interdiffusion effect of several constituents from the Inconel 600 alloy and active brazing filler.     

Dry sliding wear behaviour of cast high strength aluminium alloy (Al–Zn–Mg) and hard particle composites

This paper describes the results of dry sliding wear tests of aluminium alloy (Al–Zn–Mg) and aluminium (Al–Zn–Mg)–10, 15 and 25 wt.% SiCp composite was examined under varying applied pressure (0.2 to 2.0 MPa) at a fixed sliding speed of 3.35 m/s. The sliding wear behaviour was studied using pin-on-disc apparatus against EN32 steel counter surface, giving emphasis on the parameters such as coefficient of friction, rise in temperature, wear and seizure resistance as a function of sliding distance and applied pressure. It was observed that the wear rate of the alloy was noted to be significantly higher than that of the composite and is suppressed further due to addition of silicon carbide particles. The temperature rise near the contacting surfaces and the coefficient of friction followed reversed trend. Detailed studies of wear surfaces and subsurface deformation have been carried out. The wear mechanism was studied through worn surfaces and microscopic examination of the developed wear tracks. The wear mechanism strongly dictated by the formation and stability of oxide layer, mechanically mixed layer (MML) and subsurface deformation and cracking. The overall results indicate that the aluminium alloy–silicon carbide particle composite could be considered as an excellent material where high strength and wear resistance are of prime importance.     

Al-Cu合金片对钢/铝异种金属激光-MIG复合焊接头组织和性能的影响

采用PLC系统控制的激光-MIG复合焊接工艺对Q890钢/6063铝合金进行异种金属焊接,研究了钢侧坡口表面添加Al-Cu合金片对接头显微组织、硬度和拉伸性能的影响。结果表明:激光-MIG复合焊接接头具有典型的熔钎焊特征;未添加Al-Cu合金片的接头界面层由舌状相Fe2Al5和粗大针状相Fe4Al13组成,厚度约18μm,添加Al-Cu合金片后由舌状相(Fe,Cu)2Al5和细小絮状相(Fe,Cu)4Al13组成,厚度约为9μm,焊缝区与热影响区的组织与未添加Al-Cu合金片时的相似;添加Al-Cu合金片的接头界面层硬度比未添加Al-Cu合金片的低约59HV;添加Al-Cu合金片的焊接接头的抗拉强度比未添加Al-Cu合金片的提高了109.8%,未添加和添加Al-Cu合金片的焊接接头均在界面层断裂。