On the microstructure and the origin of intermetallic phase seams in magnetic pulse welding of aluminum and steel

Abstract

Abstract The microstructure of aluminum‐steel compounds fabricated by magnetic pulse welding are investigated. Electron backscatter diffraction, energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed the existence of several different phases along the weld seam. While one layer could be identified as aluminum solid solution, a very thin layer close to the steel side of the compound eluded detailed characterization by scanning electron microscopy techniques. Transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction investigations of this layer revealed a mix of nanocrystalline and amorphous parts. When ambient pressure was reduced to 1 mbar during welding, no interlayers were observed in the samples. This suggests that the interlayers are precipitates of the jet that is formed during conventional impact welding.