Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Heat Distribution ANSYS model of CP Copper and 316 Stainless Steel Torch Brazing

Abstract

Using torch brazing techniques, 316 stainless steel was brazed to CP copper using flux-coated low silver content filler with 20% Ag. The brazing torch utilized a fuel mixture of propane gas with oxygen to produce the required heating amount due to the possibility of economic interest in employing low-silver-content filler. The brazing filler's braze ability with SUS304 and copper was scrutinized and deeply analyzed. A ferrite barrier layer was made on the stainless-steel side, and an excellent brazed joint was produced. Metallurgical studies using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed the production of a ferrite layer. This layer's advantages were carefully examined with metallurgical testing, electron diffraction scanning (EDS), EDS mapping, and EDS line analyses, including preventing copper intergranular penetration into the stainless-steel grain boundary. The mechanical properties of the brazed joint and its usability were assessed through Vickers microhardness and tensile tests on the brazing seam and both base metals. The results of the brazing process showed that using flux-coated low-silver brazing techniques produced strong joints with satisfactory mechanical properties. These techniques are a cost-effective alternative to high-priced brazing fillers with high silver content. Geometrical models simulated the heat distribution using ANSYS and SOLIDWORKS software to analyze penetration depth, joint quality, surface cracks, and the relation between molten filler density variation and the wetting process.