Effect of ultrasonic impact time on microstructure and properties of 7A52 aluminum alloy tandem MIG welded joint

7A52 (Al-Zn-Mg-Cu) alloy is a high-strength aluminum alloy; its welded joints are often accompanied by defects such as poor wear resistance and low fatigue strength. Herein, we try to optimize the welded joint of 7A52 aluminum alloy by using ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT). Generally, the mechanical properties such as microhardness and fatigue strength of the welded joint after UIT will be improved. 7A52 aluminum alloy tandem metal inert gas (MIG) welded joints with UIT time per unit area of 2.5 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 30 min, and 75 min were studied. Through the surface topography, microstructure observation, and mechanical properties test, the time parameters of excessive treatment, lack of treatment, and proper treatment were selected, and the effects of UIT, excessive treatment, lack of treatment, and proper treatment on fatigue strength were analyzed. Test results show that the mechanical properties of welded joints after UIT are improved. The proper treatment time is 15min and its fatigue strength is 37.86MPa, respectively, under the stress ratio of 0.1. Compared to the original welding condition with a fatigue strength of 28.61MPa, the fatigue strength of the welded joints of 7A52 aluminum alloy increased by 32.33%. The largest percentage of grain size reduction occurs when the UIT is 15 min. Moreover, excessive treatment and lack of treatment will not further refine the grains and optimize the mechanical properties.

Automated summary

The mechanical properties of 7A52 aluminum alloy welded joints can be improved by optimizing them with ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT), with the best results achieved with a treatment time of 15 minutes, increasing fatigue strength by 32.33%.