Journal of Welding Science

This present study aimed to create an Al6061-St52 dissimilar joint and investigate the effect of the transverse speed by the friction stir welding process. Welding aluminum to steel is rugged by fusion methods because of the formation of brittle intermetallic compounds (IMCs). Therefore, to designate optimal parameters, acceptable IMC thickness, and mechanical properties determined. This research carried out different three transverse speeds of 16, 40 and 85 mm/min (with a constant pin offset of 0.2 mm). Geometry of tool's pin radius and height is 4mm and 1.8mm, respectively. In the transverse speed parameter, the highest ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 200 MPa was obtained at 85 mm/min. According to the Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy results, an IMC layer formed in the joint interface. The heat input rate was calculated to designate the optimal parameters. In tensile specimens, fracture mainly occurred in the joints and within the aluminum stir zone due to the combination of thick IMC layer and steel fragments, respectively. The micro-hardness measurement results showed that at (85 mm/min) the hardness values were HV 75 in the aluminum stir zone and HV 315 in the AS vicinity of the interface region. This hardness value is much higher than the base metals (Aluminum base metal is an average of HV 53 and an average steel base metal of HV 245).

The weldability of the superalloy Inconel 738LC is compromised by its susceptibility to heat-affected zone (HAZ) liquation cracking, a consequence of its high gamma-prime (γ') precipitate strength and the formation of low-melting-point eutectic phases. This study investigates the impact of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) current mode—comparing continuous current with pulsed current—on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and overall weldability of IN738LC. Through room-temperature tensile testing, Vickers hardness measurements, and microstructural analysis via optical and electron microscopy, it was demonstrated that pulsed current, particularly at higher frequencies, substantially mitigates liquation cracking and improves joint integrity. The pulsed technique introduces controlled thermal fluctuations that reduce the effective heat input, promoting a transition from columnar to equiaxed dendritic solidification, minimizing interdendritic segregation, and refining the distribution of MC carbides. Consequently, the weld metal exhibits enhanced tensile strength, ductility, and hardness. These findings establish pulsed GTAW as an effective strategy for suppressing cracking and improving the performance of IN738LC welded joints.