Electromagnetic Impact Welding of Al-to-Al–Li Sheets

Abstract

The potential for weight savings resulting from the low density and high stiffness of aluminum-lithium (Al–Li) alloys and the difficulty in fusion welding of these alloys led to this study of solid state welding of Al–Li alloys for its potential application in the aerospace and automobile industries. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of electromagnetic (EM) welding of Al-to-Al–Li sheets by using Al drivers to drive the electrically poor conductive Al–Li sheets. A study has been carried out to characterize the electromagnetic impact welding of Al-to-Al–Li sheets of 1 mm thickness. Specific heat treatment cycle need to be followed prior to EM welding of Al–Li sheets. The results of the microstructure and tensile shear strength tests are reported.