pull test issue while qualifying aluminum welds as per AWS
pull test issue while qualifying aluminum welds as per AWS
(OP)
We want to qualify some plug welds on aluminum plates (5052 H52). When we weld samples plates and we test them like we do on other steel and stainless steel qualifications, we get values in aluminum excessively low!
We weld 2x 1/8 thick x 1" wide alum. sheet. One has a hole (.25 dia.) and we fill it like usual with a plug weld. When we pull on it on our testing machine, we get very Forces. Are weld resistance calculations for qualifications different than in steel parts?
PP
We weld 2x 1/8 thick x 1" wide alum. sheet. One has a hole (.25 dia.) and we fill it like usual with a plug weld. When we pull on it on our testing machine, we get very Forces. Are weld resistance calculations for qualifications different than in steel parts?
PP





RE: pull test issue while qualifying aluminum welds as per AWS
Some military welding standards require the completed weld to have the same tensile strenght as the unwelded base metal. That pretty well eliminates a number of aluminum alloys from being used for military applications.
You also have to compare the tensile strength of the filler metal and combination of filler metal diluted with base metal to that of the base metal alone.
You didn't reference a welding standard, so I can't give you any specific direction.
Best regards - Al
RE: pull test issue while qualifying aluminum welds as per AWS
Based on published mechanical properties, 5052-H32 in an unwelded condition has a tensile yield strength of 23ksi whereas 5052-H32 welded has a tensile yield strength of 13ksi. Run those numbers on your weld area and you'll probably see your answer.
check in the Aluminum Association Design Manual for additional info.