The effect of cryogenic applications on tensile strength of aluminum 2219-T87 T-joint welded by dual laser-beam bilateral synchronous welding

Abstract

2219 aluminum alloy has been widely used in aerospace industry due to its high specific strength, excellent weldability as well as outstanding ductility. The dual laser-beam bilateral synchronous welding (DLBSW) technology is employed in the joining of 2219-T87 aluminum alloy skin-stringer structure in T-joint. In order to establish the tensile strength of T-joints at room and cryogenic temperatures, the tensile testing is carried out. The microstructure of weld seam is observed for exploring the relationship between the grain size and tensile strength. In addition, the fracture morphology is observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The elemental analysis of fractured surface is done by energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and is used to study the effect of chemical element composition on tensile strength. The results show that the highest tensile strength of 360.01 MPa was achieved when the tensile test obtained at room temperature while the joint welded by same parameter exhibit a much higher tensile strength of 422 MPa when tested at cryogenic temperature. According to the results of microstructure analysis, grain size reduction was observed when the joint was exposed to cryogenic temperature. From the fracture morphology of joints, it was found that dimples of the sample tested at cryogenic temperature are bigger and deeper than that at room temperature. The results of EDS show that the amount of the Al2Cu increases at 77 K which causes an increase in tensile strength.