Prediction of Weld Strength of PC-TIG Welded Al-8% SiC Metal Matrix Composite – An Empirical Model (EM) Approach

Abstract

This work is focused on the development of empirical model to predict the mechanical properties of welded Al-SiC metal matrix composites. Autogenous pulsed current-Tungsten inert gas (PC-TIG) welding was performed on 5mm thick Al-8%SiC composite plates. Regression equations were developed to predict the tensile strength, yield strength, percentage of elongation and bend strength of pulsed current TIG weld Al-SiC composite by varying weld parameters such as peak current, base current, pulse on time and pulse frequency. The effect of each pulsed current TIG welding parameters and interaction between two more parameters on the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, percentage of elongation and bend strength were studied for clear understanding of PCTIG welding parameters. Improved mechanical properties viz. 136 MPa tensile strength, 117 MPa yield strength with 15% elongation were achieved using optimal PCTIG welding parameters. The predicted values were experimentally verified for consistency and validation. This study also resulted in understanding the significant factors which were responsible for improved weld strength of the chosen candidate material.