Improvement on the tensile properties of 2219-T8 aluminum alloy TIG welding joint with weld geometry optimization

Abstract An applicable method to improve the tensile properties of 2219-T8 aluminum alloy TIG welding joints is attractive in manufacturing of large propellant tanks. In this work, tensile properties of 2219-T8 TIG welded joints was improved by adjusting the weld geometry using multi -pass welding with swing. The effects of weld geometry on the tensile properties of joint were investigated. And the geometry parameters were optimized by an orthogonal experiment design. The joints with tensile strength coefficient of 70 % and elongation over 4% were acquired after weld geometry optimization. The improvement mechanisms of weld geometry attributed to the reduced strain variation rate and stress concentration at the weld toe.