Tensile Strength Analysis of Electron Beam Welded AA2024 Aluminum Alloy Joints

The AA2024 aluminum alloy is a precipitate-hardening material renowned for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, making it a preferred choice for various applications in industries such as aircraft and automobile manufacturing. However, it is challenging to weld using fusion welding processes due to differences in melting points between the aluminum base material and its oxide layer. Consequently, this often results in issues such as partially melted zones, alloy segregation, and hot cracking. In this investigation, electron beam welding was employed to minimize heat input and prevent the formation of coarse grains in the heat-affected zone. Observations revealed that the joint achieved a maximum strength of 285 MPa, representing 62% of the base material's strength. This improvement in strength can be ascribed to the establishment of fine and recrystallized grains at the weld interface, along with the presence of copper aluminide strengthening precipitates.