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Aluminum welds satisfy requirements of strong joints of parts adding minimal weight, as demanded in many structures. However, the performance of these welds at high temperatures is unsatisfactory showing crack sensitivity. Aluminum fillers containing niobium diboride (NbB2) nanoparticles for TIG welding can improve the weld quality and increase its high-temperature service capacity. Our ongoing research centers on the study of the thermal expansion coefficient of the reinforced filler along with an analysis of the melting behavior upon welding on a commonly-used base material. The thermal expansion coefficient of the filler containing nanoparticles was compared to a commercial 5356 filler through a full factorial design experiment. The hardness and porosity of these materials were also compared through analysis of variance.
Author(s):
Jorge D. De Jesus SIlva
Mechanical Engineering
Universidad Puerto RIco Mayaguez
Puerto Rico
Andres F. Calle
Industrial Engineering
Universidad Puerto RIco Mayaguez
Puerto Rico
Oscar M. Suarez
Engineering
Universidad Puerto RIco Mayaguez
Puerto Rico