Tensile and shear strength evaluation in joining dissimilar plates of mild steel with aluminum alloy through explosive cladding approach

Abstract

Explosive cladding is known for its ability to join a wide variety of metals that other welding methods cannot do. In this present work, the weldability of aluminium alloy and mild steel plates and their bonding strength through an explosive cladding process investigation is performed. Experiments are conducted in the open air using Gelatin (SG-90) variety explosive having a detonation velocity of 3400 m/sec. Experimental trials for single replications were adopted. Ram tensile test has been carried out to determine the bonding strength. The effects of angle of inclination, loading ratio and stand-off distance on the weld strength were analyzed. The possibility of obtaining a sound weld depends on the limiting conditions of the above parameters. The microstructure of the explosive clad joints is studied for varying process parameters which shows a wavy profile that produces higher strength. The strength of the weld in both tensile and shear strength obtained is good and is within the acceptable range. An increase in strength of welded joints is obtained for higher parameter range.