The effect of Arc voltage and welding current on mechanical and micro structure properties of 5083-Aluminium Alloy joints used in marine applications

Abstract

The aluminium and its alloys are widely used in marine applications such as ship hull and its components due to its lightweight and corrosion resistance. The aluminium alloys require special tool and skill to weld due to high thermal conductivity. A research vessel “RV Discovery” is currently being constructed exclusively using 5083-aluminium alloy for University Malaysia Terengganu and the welding properties were investigated. The aluminium welded joint specimens were prepared using the Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding process by certified welders at different current and voltage settings. The mechanical characteristics of the welded alloys were carried out for tensile and hardness tests. Further, metallographic examination was conducted to identify and observe the various fusion zones. The results of these tests are presented in this paper. This study revealed that, the different welding voltage and current settings in which specimens were prepared remarkably affect the mechanical properties of 5083-aluminium alloy joints.