Fatigue Strength Analysis of Dissimilar Aluminum Alloy TIG Welds

The constant amplitude loading fatigue tests were carried out on the 6061/7075 aluminum alloy TIG fillet welded lap specimens in this study,and the weld seam cross-section hardness was measured.The experimental results show that most specimens mainly failed at the 7075 side weld toes even though the base material tensile strength of 7075 is higher than that of 6061.The maximum stress-strain concentration in the two finite element models is located at the 7075 side weld toe,which is basically consistent with the actual fracture location.The weld zone on the 7075 side experiences severe material softening,with a large gradient.However,the Vickers hardness value on the 6061 side negligibly changes and fluctuates around 70 HV.No obvious defects are found on the fatigue fracture,but a large number of secondary cracks appear.Cracks germinate from the weld toe and propagate in the direction of the plate thickness.Weld reinforcement has a serious impact on fatigue life.Fatigue life will decrease exponentially as the weld reinforcement increases under low stress.It is found that the notch stress method can give a better fatigue life prediction for TIG weldments,and the errors of the predicted results are within the range of two factors,while the prediction accuracy decreases under low stress.The equivalent structural stress method can also be used for fatigue life prediction of TIG weldments,but the errors of prediction results are within the range of three factors,and the accuracy decreases under high stress.

Influence of high frequency vibration on microstructure and mechanical properties of TIG welding joints of AZ31 magnesium alloy

A device for superimposing vibration on workpiece in both horizontal and vertical directions during tungsten-arc inert gas （TIG） welding was developed, with maximum power output of 2 kW at frequency of 15 kHz. AZ31 sheets with thickness of I and 3 mm were used in the vibratory welding. Microstructures along with the mechanical properties of the weld joints under different vibrating conditions （vibration direction, vibration amplitude and groove angle） were examined. It is observed that the grain size in welding zone decreases remarkably with the application of vibration, while the amount of second phase β-Mg_17Al_12 within the zone decreases slightly; meanwhile, microhardness of the weld joints, macroscopic tensile strength and elongation of the weldment increase. Vibration, especially the one along vertical direction, has more impact on the performance of the thick weldments. Influence of vibration on mierostructure and mechanical properties of weldments is affected by wave energy transferring in the melt and depends on the processing and geometric parameters including amplitude and direction of vibration, thickness, and groove angles.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-Li alloy after TIG welding

Tungsten inert gas weld was carried out on super-light magnesium-lithium alloy plates with a thickness of 2 mm, using argon gas as a protecting atmosphere. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the welded joints were investigated. The results indicate that the microstructure in the fusion zone is fine, and the microstructure in the heat-affected zone is coarser than the parent metal. The tensile strength of the welded joint is about 84% that of the parent metal. The fracture occurs in a mixed type of toughness and brittleness in the heat-affected zone. During the welding process, aluminum and cerium are enriched at grain boundaries in the fusion zone.

Microstructure and porosity analysis in ultrasonic assisted TIG welding of 2014 aluminum alloy

The ultrasonic assisted tungsten inert gas （U-TIG） welding is a newly developed arc welding method, which is aimed at improving the weld quality and efficiency. TIG welding and U-TIG welding of 2014 aluminum alloy with 5 mm thickness were experimentally carried out in this paper. The microstructure and porosity of welded joints were analyzed. Compared with conventional TIG welding, the columnar crystals are changed into equiaxed crystals at the centre of weld zone and the grain of fusion zone in U-TIG welding is refined and equiaxed. The porosities of joint decrease after the ultrasonic was applied on the arc. The mechanism of crystal grain refinement is discussed in this paper and the reasons of porosity decrease in U-TIG welded joint may be due to the effect of acoustic streaming and cavitation, which need further research.

The element transfer behavior of gas pool coupled activating TIG welding

This paper deals with a novel dual shield TIG welding method named gas pool coupled activating TIG( GPCA-TIG)welding. The welding method divides the shielding gas into two layers. Inert gas such as Ar is adopted as the inner layer gas to protect the tungsten electrode and the molten pool metal. Pure O_2,N_2 or mixture of them are used as the outer layer gas to increase the weld penetration and improve the low temperature toughness of weld metal. Through analyzing the interaction between outer gas and arc and the distributions and existing forms of oxygen and nitrogen elements,the transfer behaviors of nitrogen and oxygen from arc to pool were investigated. The results show that,the interaction between the outer gas and arc plasma makes the arc slightly constrict. The incoming oxygen enriches on the molten pool surface and exists in the form of iron oxide,chromium oxide,manganese oxide and silicon oxygen compounds. The incoming nitrogen evenly distributes in the molten pool and exists in the form of nitrogen atom.

Numerical simulation of temperature fields for T-joint during TIG welding of titanium alloy

Three-dimensional finite element model was established to simulate temperature fields of T-joint titanium sheets during TIG welding with finite element method （FEM） software. Temperature dependent material properties and the effect of latent heat were considered. A technique of element birth and death was used to simulate the process of welded metal filling. Dynamic variation process of temperature fields during T1G welding was achieved. The simulated results agreed well with the measured results.

Characteristics of AZ31 Mg alloy joint using automatic TIG welding

The automatic tungsten-inert gas welding（ATIGW） of AZ31 Mg alloys was performed using a six-axis robot. The evolution of the microstructure and texture of the AZ31 auto-welded joints was studied by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction. The ATIGW process resulted in coarse recrystallized grains in the heat affected zone（HAZ） and epitaxial growth of columnar grains in the fusion zone（FZ）. Substantial changes of texture between the base material（BM） and the FZ were detected. The {0002} basal plane in the BM was largely parallel to the sheet rolling plane, whereas the c-axis of the crystal lattice in the FZ inclined approximately 25° with respect to the welding direction. The maximum pole density increased from 9.45 in the BM to 12.9 in the FZ. The microhardness distribution, tensile properties, and fracture features of the AZ31 auto-welded joints were also investigated.

Vision-based detection of weld pool width in TIG welding of copper-clad aluminum cable

In order to realize automatic control of the width of weld pool, a visual sensor system for the width of weld pool detection is developed. By initiative arc light, the image of copper plate weld pool is taken back of the torch through the process of weakening and filtering arc light. In order to decrease the time of processing video signals, analog circuit is applied in the processing where video signals is magnified, trimmed and processed into binary on the datum of dynamic average value, therefore the waveform of video signals of weld pool is obtained. The method that is used for detecting the width of weld pool is established. Results show that the vision sensing method for real-time detecting weld pool width to copper-clad aluminum wire TIG welding is feasible. The response cycle of this system is no more than 50 ms, and the testing precision is less than 0. 1 mm.

Realizing precision pulse TIG welding with arc length control and visual image sensing based weld detection

Methods of arc length control and visual image based weld detection for precision pulse TIG welding were investigated. With a particular all hardware circuit, arc voltage during peak current stage is sampled and integrated to indicate arc length, deviation of arc length and adjusting parameters are calculated and output to drive a step motor directly. According to the features of welding image grabbed with CCD camera, a special algorithm was developed to detect the central line of weld fast and accurately. Then an application system were established, whose static arc length error is ±0.1 mm with 20 A average current and 1 mm given arc length, static detection precision of weld is 0.01 mm , processing time of each image is less than 120 ms . Precision pulse TIG welding of some given thin stainless steel components with complicated curved surface was successfully realized.

Numerical analysis for weld pool of pulsed TIG welding

A two-dimensional axisymmetric mathematical model of weld pool of pulsed TIG welding was established. Numerical simulation for weld pool of pulsed TIG welding was done using FLUENT software by selecting the appropriate boundary conditions and strongly coupled control equations. The distributions of temperature field and flow field of weld pool under the periodic change of welding current were obtained. According to the maximum temperature of upper and lower surface of workpiece and depth and width of weld pool, the distributions of temperature field and flow field under different pulsed frequencies and current duty cycles were obtained and periodic variation was analyzed under pulsed current. The analysis results show that with the increase of pulsed frequency, weld pool width increases slightly while depth decreases slightly, and with the increase of current duty cycle, the width and depth of weld pool both increase significantly, and the depth increases greatly.

Effect of preheat on TIG welding of AZ61 magnesium alloy

The effects of preheat treatments on the microstructures and mechanical properties of tungsten inert gas （TIG）-welded AZ61 magnesium alloy joints were studied by microstructural observations, microhardness tests and tensile tests. The results showed that the vol- ume fraction of the lamellar β-Mg17（Al,Zn）12 intermetallic compound of in fusion zone （FZ） increased from 15% to 66% with an increase in preheat temperature. Moreover, the microhardness of the FZ and the ultimate tensile strength of the welded joints reached their maximum values when the preheat temperature was 300℃ because more lamellar β-Mg17（Al,Zn）12 intermetallic compounds were distributed at the α-Mg grain boundaries and no cracks and pores formed in the FZ of the welded joint.

A study on twin-tungsten TIG welding method

A new twin-tungsten TIG （T-TIG） welding method was studied. This method differs from the conventional TIG method, it places two electrodes insulated from each other in the same welding torch, and a coupling arc is generated from the two electrodes. The coupling arc pressure was measured and preliminary welding experiment was made. The results show that the coupling arc can keep arc pressure at a low level compared with conventional TIG arc, and welding can be achieved under higher current and high travel speed with sound appearance of weld. Therefore, this new method can applied widely in high effwiency welding.

Research on the Mechanism of Penetration Increase by Flux in A-TIG Welding

The mechanism of penetration depth increased by activating flux in activating tungsten inert gas(A-TIG)weldingwas studied by measuring the distribution of trace element Bi in the weld and monitoring the change of arc voltageduring A-TIG welding of stainless steel 0Crl8Ni9 with fluxes SiO_(2)and TiO_(2).The results show that the mechanismof penetration depth in A-TIG welding depends on the sort of flux used.The weld pool convection after coating theflux SiO_(2)and flux TiO_(2)is changed inversely compared with convectional TIG welding without flux.The arc voltageis increased by flux SiO_(2)whilst flux TiO_(2)does not have effect on the arc voltage.The reason of penetration depthincrease for SiO_(2)is due to the constriction of arc plasma and the change of surface tension gradient.The increaseof weld penetration depth with TiO_(2)only ascribes to the change of surface tension gradient.

Research for the method of image acquisition of the molten pool in the TIG welding of aluminum alloy

Obtaining the image of molten pool aluminum alloy’s tungsten inert gas(TIG)welding becomes a challenging problem in the welding field. In this paper, a bran-new optical sensor based analyzing the light spectrum was designed, and the clear image of the molten pool during the aluminum alloy’s welding using the common industrial CCD camera was obtained. And with the new algorithm provided by myself, the desirable characteristic parameters of the molten pool of aluminum alloy’s welding were obtained, and it provides a good base for advanced monitor welding quality.

Microstructure and property research on welded joints of 7xxx aluminum alloy welding wire TIG for 7075 aluminum alloy

7 xxx welding wire was self-made by spray forming ingots drawn to series welding wires products,and then TIG butt welding test is used for 5 mm thick 7075 high-strength aluminium alloy.After welding,the stress relief+solid-solution aging heat treatment(T6)were performed to joints,and the mechanical properties and microstructure of the joints before and after heat treatment were comparative analyzed.The results show that the properties of the heat-affected zone(HAZ)of the joint before heat treatment decreas,and the joint is softened.The welded joints tensile strength is 271.8 MPa,the elongation is 5.6%,and the average hardness of the weld is 118.4 HV.The second phase particles such asη(Mg Zn2),S(Al2 Cu Mg),Al13 Fe4 are distributed in a network layer,with no apparent element segregation.After heat treatment,the structure of each area of the joint is coarsened,and a small amount of Fe-containing impurity phases are distributed.Theηand S phases are dissolved in the matrix.The hardness of each area of the joint is increased to 155 HV,and the softening zone is disappeared,this leads the joint elongation close to 16.9%.The tensile strength is increased to 511.8 MPa,reaching 94%of the base metal tensile strength.

Gas Pool Coupled Activating TIG Welding Method with Coupling Arc Electrode

Gas pool coupled activating TIG(GPCA?TIG) welding put forward in?house can dramatically enhance weld penetration of TIG welding through introducing active element oxygen to reverse the Marangoni convection flow in the molten pool. In order to further improve the welding productivity, the normal solid tungsten electrode is replaced by a kind of coupling arc electrode. The changes of arc pressure distribution along anode surface and the weld appearance were evaluated. On this basis, the dependences of weld shape characterized with weld depth, width and undercut on the main welding parameters were discussed. The results indicate, the substitution of coupling arc electrode can lead to an obvious decrease of arc pressure. Compared to hollow tungsten electrode and twin tungsten electrodes, the coupling arc electrode is much easier to manufacture and has more compacter structure. Combined with the symmetric distribution of arc pressure in di erent directions, this electrode has extensive adaptability. In the GPCA?TIG welding with coupling arc electrode, both the substitution of coupling arc electrode and the introduction of outer active gas oxygen can reduce the possibilities of producing humping bead and undercut. Their joint action makes this welding method have the capability of realizing high travel speed and deep penetration welding.

N06022镍基合金TIG+SMAW焊接接头微观组织及力学性能

采用钨极氩弧焊(TIG)+焊条电弧焊(SMAW)对10 mm厚的N06022镍基合金进行焊接,分析研究接头的微观组织、显微硬度、腐蚀性能和拉伸性能。研究表明:采用TIG+SMAW焊接接头表面成形良好,整个焊缝呈银白色,半椭圆状的鱼鳞纹均匀分布;母材与焊缝区组织存在明显的分界线,且无明显的热影响区域,焊缝区域组织为等轴晶和树枝晶组织;整个焊接接头的硬度呈“M”形分布,NZ区域的显微硬度较为稳定,在250 HV附近,HAZ区较BM区域高,而较NZ区域低,从HAZ区域到NZ区域接头的显微硬度变化不大;焊接接头的平均抗拉强度(799 MPa)高于母材(782 MPa),焊接接头较母材提高了2.56%,保证了该类焊接结构的可靠运行,接头的断裂形式为韧性断裂;接头腐蚀性能满足设备技术要求和标准规定。

Numerical simulation of dynamic thermal process during doublesided asymmetrical TIG backing welding of large thick plates

The dynamic thermal process during double-sided asymmetrical TIG backing welding of large thick plates （ 1 000 mm×700 mm×50 mm） is numerically simulated using MSC. MARC. The effect of arc distance on the thermal cycle in weld zone during double-sided asymmetrical T1G backing welding is investigated. The results show that the workpiece experiences double-peak thermal cycle in double-sided asymmetrical TIG backing welding. On the one hand, the fore arc has the pre- heating effect on the rear pass, and the pre-heating temperature depends on the distance between the double arcs, the heat input of fore arc, and the initial temperature of workpiece. On the other hand, the rear arc has the post-heating effect on the fore pass. The mutual effects of two heat sources decrease with the increase of arc distance.

Optimality analysis of multiplex A-TIG welding flux for nickel-base superalloy

Orthogonal experiment is employed to study a new kind of multiplex flux for nickel-base superalloy. This activated TIG welding flux is composed of NaF, MgF2 and CaF2, and their proportion is 5：4：1. Compared with conventional TIG welding, the penetration increases 164% by the action of the flux. Tensile test result indicates that the fracture strength of the mixed flux A-TIG weld bead is higher than base metal, and it increases along with the decrement of the welding current. The average extensibility of the weldment is beyond 100%, which means perfect ductility. MetaUographs elucidate that there exist lots of deep and evenly distributed dimples on the fiacture section of weld bead while on that of base metal there only exists a few shallow dimples and massive tearing ridge.

Study on arc-ultrasonic TIG welding of titanium alloy

TC4 alloy was welded by conventional TIG welding and arc-ultrasonic TIG welding respectively. The microstructure of joint was analyzed by means of optical-microscope, scanning electron microscope in order to study the relationship between the macro-properties of joint and the microstructure. The results show that the joints were all welded successfully by conventional TIG welding and arc-ultrasonic TIG welding. With the increment of ultrasonic frequency and activated voltage, the width of joint became narrow step by step. The microstructure became more and more fine and was inclined to equiaxed crystal. Moreover, the dendrite depredation was not observed obviously. The properties of welded joint were improved markedly compared with that of conventional TIG welding.