Interfacial Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Aluminium to Copper Sheet Joints by Electromagnetic Pulse Welding

Abstract

This study investigated joining of Al to Cu sheets by electromagnetic pulse welding, which is a solid-state welding process that uses electromagnetic forces to join materials. The interfacial morphology and mechanical properties of the Al/Cu joints were analysed and related to the welding process parameters and weld properties. The centre section of the Al/Cu joints evolved from a non-welded to a welded zone. The welded zone started with a wavy interface, consisting of thick interfacial layers with defects and evolved to a relatively flat interface without an interfacial layer. The interfacial layer thickness is determined by both the discharge energy and the stand-off distance. A higher tensile force, up to 4.9 kN, was achieved at a higher energy and a lower stand-off distance of 2 mm. The tensile force is directly related to the weld width, since a higher tensile force is achieved for a higher weld width. In addition, the presence of interfacial layers can contribute to a small extent to a higher tensile force.