design strength of aluminum welds 2

[Tdog67]

Fellers,

i am designing a simple weld using 6061-T6. I usually use 70 ksi yield strength of steel material for welds, what is the value for aluminum welding?

thanks

 

[MotorVib]

There is a big Drop off in the yield strength of Al when it is welded take a look at the below Web pages for more informastion.

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowledge/articles/content/alumapp.asp

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowledge/articles/content/comistakes.asp

Lincoln has some good informastion on welding Al.

Chris

"In this house, we obey the laws of thermodynamics." Homer Simpson

 

[TVP]

If the aluminum is already in the T6 condition, then welding will reduce the yield strength to maybe 15 ksi. The data from the first Lincoln link is for 6061 that is post-weld heat treated to the T6 condition, which is obviously the proper way to things.

 

[MotorVib]

The strength will only drop in the heat effected zone, and I always assume that it drops to the -T0. I have reheat treated 6061 weldment in the past and got then back to the 6061-T6.

Chris

"In this house, we obey the laws of thermodynamics." Homer Simpson