Interfacial Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Aluminium to Copper Sheet Joints by Electromagnetic Pulse Welding

This study investigated joining of Al to Cu sheets by electromagnetic pulse welding, which is a solid-state welding process that uses electromagnetic forces to join materials. The interfacial morphology and mechanical properties of the Al/Cu joints were analysed and related to the welding process parameters and weld properties. The centre section of the Al/Cu joints evolved from a non-welded to a welded zone. The welded zone started with a wavy interface, consisting of thick interfacial layers with defects and evolved to a relatively flat interface without an interfacial layer. The interfacial layer thickness is determined by both the discharge energy and the stand-off distance. A higher tensile force, up to 4.9 kN, was achieved at a higher energy and a lower stand-off distance of 2 mm. The tensile force is directly related to the weld width, since a higher tensile force is achieved for a higher weld width. In addition, the presence of interfacial layers can contribute to a small extent to a higher tensile force.