A comparative investigation of mechanical properties of butt welded joints of dissimilar aluminium alloys AA 2024-T351 and AA 6082-T6 obtained by MIG and TIG welding

Abstract

This paper aims to compare the mechanical and structural properties of butt-welded joints of dissimilar Al alloys 2024-T351 and AA 6082-T6 obtained by MIG and TIG welding processes. Alloy AA 6082 T6 is weldable by classic fusion welding processes (MIG and TIG), while alloy 2024-T351 is mostly non-weldable. For the welding of these two different Al alloys, MIG and TIG welding procedures were used on 8 mm thick sheet metal using additional material 4043A (AlSi5) and a mixture of Ar and He as a shielding gas for the MIG welding process, or pure Ar for the TIG welding process. The present study showcases the mechanical properties of welded joints obtained by MIG and TIG welding. The microstructural evolution of the welded joint of dissimilar Al alloys AA6082-T6 and AA2024-T351 is compared. The mechanical properties of welded joints of dissimilar Al alloys are estimated based on the results of Vickers hardness, tensile, and bending tests of as-welded samples.