Impact Welding of Aluminum Alloys 6061 and 5052 by Vaporizing Foil Actuators: Heat Affected Zone Size and Peel Strength

Abstract

Joining aluminum alloy sheets is increasingly important in manufacturing. Traditional welding techniques create a heataffected zone (HAZ) around the joint; however, solidstate joining methods such as impact welding produce joints without significant heat. Here, electrically vaporized foil actuators (VFA) provided the highpressure pulses needed for impact welding. 0.96 mm thick AA6061T6 and 0.76 mm thick AA5052 were joined in lap and spotlike configurations, at a variety of impact velocities. The welds failed in coachpeel outside the joint interface. The 5052 hardened within 100 خ¼m of the interface. The 6061T6 may have softened slightly within 50 خ¼m of the interface.