Effect of Shielding Gas Arc Welding Process on Cavitation Resistance of Welded Joints of AlMg4.5Mn Alloy

Abstract

The effect of the shielding gas arc welding process on the cavitation resistance of the three-component aluminum alloy AlMg4.5Mn and its welded joints was investigated. Welding was performed using the GTAW and GMAW processes in a shielded atmosphere of pure argon. After the welding, metallographic tests were performed, and the hardness distribution in the welded joints was determined. The ultrasonic vibration method was used to evaluate the base metal’s and weld metal’s resistance to cavitation. The change in mass was monitored to determine the cavitation rates. The morphology of the surface damage of the base metal and weld metal due to cavitation was monitored using scanning electron microscopy to explain the effect of the shielding gas arc welding process on their resistance to cavitation.