New technique of skin embedded wire double-sided laser beam welding. (1st June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Han, Bing; Tao, Wang; Chen, Yanbin
• Is Part Of: Optics & laser technology. Volume 91(2017)
• Page Start: 185
• Page End: 192
• Publication Date: 2017-06-01
• Subjects: Skin embedded wire double-sided laser beam welding -- Al-Li alloys -- T-joint -- Hot crack -- Elements distribution; Optics -- Periodicals; Lasers -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.366
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2016.12.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-3992

Abstract

Abstract: In the aircraft industry, double-sided laser beam welding is an approved method for producing skin-stringer T-joints on aircraft fuselage panels. As for the welding of new generation aluminum-lithium alloys, however, this technique is limited because of high hot cracking susceptibility and strengthening elements' uneven distributions within weld. In the present study, a new technique of skin embedded wire double-sided laser beam welding (LBW) has been developed to fabricate T-joints consisting of 2.0 mm thick 2060-T8/2099-T83 aluminum-lithium alloys using eutectic alloy AA4047 filler wire. Necessary dimension parameters of the novel groove were reasonably designed for achieving crack-free welds. Comparisons were made between the new technique welded T-joint and conventional T-joint mainly on microstructure, hot crack, elements distribution features and mechanical properties within weld. Excellent crack-free microstructure, uniform distribution of silicon and superior tensile properties within weld were found in the new skin embedded wire double-sided LBW T-joints. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Skin embedded wire double-sided LBW is introduced to weld Al-Li T-joint. Hot crack and uneven Si-distribution are solved by new groove and embedded wire. Measured Si-contents in weld are fully enhanced from below 2 wt% to over 2 wt%. Calculated volume fraction of T phase in weld is increase from 2.84–6.57%. Tensile properties in weld are overall improved and fracture shows a mixed mode.