INVESTIGATION TOWARD OBTAINING SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF AS-WELDED JOINTS IN HIGH-STRENGTH, HEAT TREATABLE ALUMINUM ALLOYS

Abstract

This report describes the second phase of an investigation to improve welds in high strength aluminum alloys such as 7075 and 7178. Direct current, straight polarity, helium shielded tungsten arc automatic welding was preferred for most consistent results, although highest individual weld strengths were achieved with carefully controlled consumable electrode short arc technique. High travel speeds, with TIG welding, decreased weld strength because of small hot-short cracks. Cold working of welds before aging often caused cracks and had no beneficial effect on strength. Locally heat treating welds with a low power arc before aging increased ductility in both tensile and bulge tests. Strength was about equivalent to no heated welds. Base metal properties determined after short time exposure to high temperatures were used to predict joint designs for local heat treatments.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 20, 1963
Accession Number
AD0418106

Entities

People

  • F. R. Collins

Organizations

  • Alcoa

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alloys
  • Aluminum Alloys
  • Arc Welding
  • Base Metal
  • Chemistry
  • Cold Working
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
  • Heat Treatment
  • High Temperature
  • Joints
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Mechanical Working
  • Physical Properties
  • Tensile Strength
  • Welding
  • Welds

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Metallurgy