Identification of Problems Encountered in the Field Welding of Aluminum

摘要

This report identifies the procedures and equipment used for field welding of aluminum, determines the most common types of failures encountered, determines problems with field welding maintenance, and proposes solutions to these problems. It has been found that the most common damages to aluminum structures are puncturing and tearing. These damages must be repaired in the field in order to keep equipment at a high degree of operational readiness. The repair of such damages requires maintenance personnel skilled in aluminum welding. The results of this investigation show that current training procedures do not produce maintenance personnel with adequate aluminum welding skills. In addition, there is a lack of skilled supervisors who can provide adequate on-the-job training to new maintenace personnel. The standardized welding procedure proposed by this investigation will help resolve these problems. (Author)