Analysis of Fe-Al Bonded Dissimilar Materials by EPMA and X-Ray CT

User Benefits

- X-ray CT (computed tomography) is useful in research such as study of welding conditions, as changes in composition and internal microstructure can be captured nondestructively. - Also useful in research related to analysis of the film thickness and internal microstructure of the intermetallic compound layer, which affect bond strength.

Introduction

Weight reduction of transportation machinery is being promoted with the aim of achieving Japan’s “2050 Carbon Neutral Goal.” Friction stir welding (FSW) and friction stir spot welding (FSSW) are solid phase bonding methods for joining dissimilar materials by utilizing the frictional heat generated by rotation of a tool, and has been applied to the engine cradle, suspension arms, front subframe, and other parts in the auto industry. These techniques are also widely used for weight reduction in various other fields, including railway rolling stock, aircraft, ships, civil structures, and electrical machinery, and research on optimization of the welding process and microstructural control of the weld bond and interface is underway. This article introduces an example in which the bond of dissimilar materials welded by FSSW was analyzed using an EPMA-8050G EPMA^TM electron probe microanalyzer, together with the results obtained with the inspeXio SMX-225CT FPD HR Plus microfocus X-ray CT system.

June 28, 2022 GMT