Improving The Fatigue Performance Of Welded Aluminum Alloys

Author:  Montemarano, T.W. and Wells, M.E.
Source:  Weld. J. 59, (6), June '80
Doc ID:  1980015
Year of Publication:  1980
Abstract:  
investigation on developing methods to improve the fatigue performance of welded 5086-H116 A1 alloy showed that postweld brush shot peening improved the fatigue performance of butt-welded 5086-H116 (with the weld reinforcement removed) to the level of unwelded base metal and can increase the fatigue strength of 5086-H116 fillet welds from 5500 to 10 000 lb/in.2 at 107 cycles. Due to the degree of improvement in fatigue performance of butt-welded 5086 and the relative insensitivity of fatigue life to operator process variables, rotary brush peening should be considered a potential method to be used in A1 hull construction for postweld treatment in areas subjected to localized cyclic loadings. The ability to conduct the peening operation in an A1 ship structure makes brush peening an attractive method for treating areas susceptible to fatigue cracking both in new construction and during repair of A1 hull surface effect ships and other high-performance craft. Descriptors: Aluminum base alloys-- Welding; Butt welds-- Mechanical properties; Fatigue strength; Shot peening; Brushes