Analysis of mechanical and microstructural properties of gas metal arc welded dissimilar aluminum alloys (AA5754/AA6013)

Abstract

The use of aluminum alloys to reduce weight in air, sea, and land vehicles is increasing rapidly, especially due to their low density, excellent corrosion resistance, good forming properties, and increasable mechanical properties. A common aspect of all the relevant industrial sectors is the need to join the many parts of manufactured technological products using welding methods. In these industries, using welding to join different aluminum alloys having high mechanical properties is especially important. However, despite the widespread usage areas, it is very difficult to join different aluminums and their alloys via welding. In this study, AA5754/AA6013 aluminum alloys were joined using automatic gas metal arc welding (GMAW). Welded joints were created at two different welding speeds (150 and 180 mm/min) and three different welding current values (130, 140, and 150 A). This study investigated the microstructural and mechanical properties of AA5754/AA6013 aluminum alloy sheets joined at different welding speeds and current values. The macro and microstructures of samples taken from the welded joints were examined. In addition, hardness, tensile, bending, and fatigue tests were performed on the welded samples. The findings obtained as a result of the tests were evaluated and interpreted in light of the literature.