Effect of arc stud welding parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AA6061 and AA5086 aluminium alloys

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the effect of arc stud welding (ASW) process parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AA6061-T6 and AA5086-H116 joint. Design/methodology/approach: ASW process was done with argon as a shielding gas. Optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were employed to investigate the influence of welding current, welding time, and gas flow-rate on the microstructure of the fusion zone (FZ). Torque strength and Microhardness tests were used to evaluate the mechanical properties of the welded joints. Findings: OM and SEM showed a cellular dendritic structure with equiaxed zone and columnar dendritic are forming at welding zone and weld interface. XRD analysis showed the precipitation of Mg2Si and Al3Mg2 in the similar and dissimilar joints. Similar ASW of AA6061-T6/AA6061-T6 recorded 19 N.m torque strength, while dissimilar welding of AA6061-T6/AA5086-H116 registered 23 N.m. With increasing heat input, grains in Fusion Zone (FZ) and Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) coarsen and the hardness in both zones decreased. The hardness of similar weldments indicated a remarkable softening of FZ, while lower hardness values were registered in HAZ of dissimilar weldments. Softening of both weldments is due to the dissolution of the strengthening precipitates. Hot cracks exist with similar weldments, while no cracks evidence with dissimilar weldments. Research limitations/implications: The main challenge in this work was how to minimize porosity level and how to avoid hot crack in the FZ. Practical implications: The application of ASW with ceramic ferrule has an important role in different production areas such as; automobile industry, aircraft applications, and appliances industry. Originality/value: Study the effect of welding current, welding time, and gas flow-rate of ASW process on microstructure and mechanical properties of AA6061-T6 and AA5086-H116 joint.