Optimization of EBW Parameters for 2219 AL-Alloy Using Grey Relation Method

Abstract

Aluminum alloys are the subject of increasing interest in the automotive, as well as aircraft industries. Concerning the assembly, welding was extensively applied in the car industry. Nevertheless, welding defects generated during the process result in reduction in strength of both the weld; and heat affected zone which could limit its applications. Electron beam welding (EBW) has unique advantages over other traditional fusion welding methods due to its high-energy density, deep penetration, large depth-to-width ratio and the resulting very small heat affected zone. Optimization of EB welded joint of 2219 Al-alloy, from the yield strength, hardness and bead geometry point of view, is the topic of this study. Taguchi methodology with grey relation analysis has been applied to find the optimal welding parameters for welding of a sheet of the mentioned aluminum alloy with electron beam. The optimal welding parameters have been selected and verified experimentally.