Welding Technology Developments for Stringer-Skin Joints with Al-Li Alloys
2020 年 58 巻 Supplement 号 p. 65s-71s
詳細
2020 年 58 巻 Supplement 号 p. 65s-71s
Manufacturing aeronautic structures joining extruded profiles or stringers to sheets or skins of aluminium is a typical procedure in aeronautic structures. Although riveting is the conventional manufacturing technology to produce such joints, Friction Stir Welding (FSW) and Laser Beam Welding (LBW) technologies have also demonstrated their potential for this kind of applications, showing benefits such as time saving, light-weighting and overall cost reduction. In addition to that, new aluminium-lithium based alloy developments represent great opportunities for advanced aeronautic structure manufacturing with potential benefits such as lightweight construction or improved corrosion resistance.
This work presents the main approaches by FSW and LBW to produce stiffened panel structures such as fuselage by stringer-skin joints and using innovative aluminium-lithium alloys. The work was performed using AA2198, AA2060 and AA2099 alloys. The weld quality and properties have been examined by metallographic analysis and mechanical testing. The effects produced by innovative Cr-free surface treatments and coatings on joint properties was also investigated.
The analysis of the results have shown the relationships between processing conditions, micro-macrostructural properties and the mechanical strength of the welded joints. The effects produced in the different alloys investigated have been observed and particular weld formation mechanics have been studied for each material and welding technology.
