Exploiting the challenges of copper to austenitic stainless steel bimetallic joining by gas tungsten arc welding: A fluid flow perspective

Abstract

Miscible nature of the material is vital to join dissimilar materials together. The wide range of properties within the single structure requires merging of multiple materials. Hence, sustainable welding technology development to join distinct material with extreme immiscibility such as Cu and SS is emerging as a recent research interest. Because of its requirement in nuclear reactors’ critical components, plan wave linac structures and ultra-high vacuum systems. Gas tungsten arc welding is a well-established commercial process. Hence, a study on optimum weld condition to get better quality of Cu to SS bimetallic joint is advantageous and desirable. However, complex flow nature of the molten Cu and SS is a big challenge. Hence, authors have reviewed and discussed the fluid flow of Cu and SS during gas tungsten arc welding. Which, concludes that the flow characteristics of Cu and SS must be studied through experimental and simulations to set up the favourable weld conditions while joining it with gas tungsten arc welding. The mentioned area of interdisciplinary research and not explored yet about the joint’s mechanical and microstructural properties. The said study can potentially predict what will be the final weld properties well before the metallurgical testing. Moreover, the article enlightens the interdisciplinary research aspect of Cu to SS bimetallic joining.