Effect of Post Weld Heat Treatment on Al 5052-SS 316 Explosive Cladding with Copper Interlayer

Abstract

This study focuses on effect of post weld heat treatment (PWHT) on interfacial and mechanical properties of Al 5052-SS 316 explosive clad with copper interlayer at varied loading ratios and inclination angles. The use of interlayer is proposed for the control of additional kinetic energy dissipation and to alleviate the formation of intermetallic compounds at the interface. The Al-Steel clads are subjected to PWHT at varied temperatures (300°C-450°C) for 30 minutes and the results are presented. The microstructural characterization of as-clad and PWHT samples is observed by an optical microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Maximum hardness is obtained at the interface of the as-clad and PWHT samples. Increase in PWHT temperature enhances the tensile strength of the composite, whereas, the tensile strength decreases at 300°C due to the diffusion of Al and Cu elements and the formation of detrimental intermetallic compounds.