The effects of electron beam irradiation direction on mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of thick Al 5052 alloy plate

摘要

Electron beam welding was performed on a 120 mm thick plate of Al 5052-H112 alloy in both the horizontal and vertical directions relative to gravity, and the differences in penetration depth, microstructures, and mechanical properties of specimens irradiated under various conditions were thoroughly investigated. The specimens showed similar penetration depth in both irradiation directions when irradiation was conducted below the critical output power. However, above the critical output power, the specimen irradiated in the vertical direction showed remarkably higher penetration depth and aspect ratio. The results of tensile tests revealed that fractures occurred on the base metal of both specimens. Impact test results showed that the impact absorption energy of the weld metal was about four times higher than that of the base metal. In addition, Mg, the main constituting element of Al 5052 alloy, was slightly decreased in the weld zone in comparison with the base metal.