BelSU researchers develop an innovative welding technique for alloy elements

The novel welding technology for aluminum and titanium elements has been developed by BelSU Research Institute of Materials Science and Innovative Nanotechnology. According to Sergey Mironov, a Professor of the Department of Material Science and Nanotechnology, a combination of materials with different properties has been used in the modern transport industry, which enables to combine lightness with rigidity and strength of the essential elements. The combination of aluminium and titanium alloys is considered to be the most effective. However, incompatibility of thermal and physical properties of these materials makes their permanent bonding very complicated.

The professor at Belgorod State University proposed to solve the problem by using the innovative techniques of friction stir welding. But in case of aluminium and titanium alloys, this technology application is usually accompanied by intensive tool wear and leads to formation of a brittle intermetallic layer on the surface of the welded materials edges. In order to obtain high-strength welded joints of aluminum and titanium alloys, the university scientist have improved the welding techniques.

Implementation of the innovative technique will enable to avoid using the expensive tungsten-carbide operating tools and, thus, make the welding process much cost-effective.

The scientists will continue the research in this arerea in order to assess the applicability of this welding technique for high-alloy aluminum alloys. The research has been carried out as part of the Russian Science Foundation project.