Studies on partially melted zone in aluminium-copper alloy welds-effect of techniques and prior thermal temper

Partially melted zone (PMZ) of aluminium alloy welds is an important region and requires careful attention. This is mainly because PMZ in these materials is weak link in the weldments and is significantly affected by welding parameters. Microstructure changes in PMZ are related not only to welding heat input and techniques, but also depend on the initial thermal history of alloy (for example, whether it is in T6 or T87 condition etc.). Interestingly, not many detailed studies were available in this respect. In the present work, effect of prior thermal temper and welding techniques mainly continuous and pulsed current gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) on the PMZ behaviour of AA2219 alloy was studied. Susceptibility to liquation was found to be high in T6 temper of AA2219 alloy than in T87. Pulsed current technique was found to improve the resistance to the susceptibility to liquation in PMZ.