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U-groove aluminum weld strength improvementThough butt-welds are among the most preferred joining methods in aerostructures, their strength dependence on inelastic mechanics is generally the least understood. This study investigated experimental strain distributions across a thick aluminum U-grooved weld and identified two weld process considerations for improving the multipass weld strength. The extreme thermal expansion and contraction gradient of the fusion heat input across the groove tab thickness produces severe peaking which induces bending under uniaxial loading. The filler strain-hardening deceased with increasing filler pass sequence, producing the weakest welds on the last pass side. Current welding schedules unknowingly compound these effects which reduce the weld strength. A de-peaking index model was developed to select filler pass thicknesses, pass numbers, and sequences to improve de-peaking in the welding process. Intent is to combine the strongest weld pass side with the peaking induced bending tension to provide a more uniform stress and stronger weld under axial tensile loading.
Document ID
19960031911
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Verderaime, V. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville,AL United States)
Vaughan, R. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville,AL United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1995
Subject Category
Mechanical Engineering
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.15:111444
SDM 96-1576
NASA-TM-111444
Report Number: NAS 1.15:111444
Report Number: SDM 96-1576
Report Number: NASA-TM-111444
Meeting Information
Meeting: SDM Conference
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Country: United States
Start Date: April 15, 1996
End Date: April 17, 1996
Accession Number
96N29904
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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