Strength Evaluation of Welded Aluminum T-joints, as a Function of Its Welding Process, Execution, Filler Material, and Weld Root Penetration

Abstract

Essential requirements for weld seams are the long-term transmission of static and time-varying forces. Requirements for the verification of laser welded fillet weld T-joints are proposed in this paper, since there is no established procedure in this field for laser welding. More precisely, the strength of laser MIG hybrid welded AlMg3Mn T-joints, made from 3.5 mm thick sheet metal are determined, depending on the penetration of their weld root gap. This allowed the unwelded root gap to be related to the decrease in strength, even though this is more apparent with dynamic than with static loading. In addition, the influence of filler material, single and mutual-sided MIG welds have been added to this comparison. Filler materials used are the related AlMg2.7Mn or the extraneous AlSi5.