Relationships involving process, microstructure, and properties of weldments of Al-Cu and Al-Cu-Li alloys

The evolution of microstructure within the heat affected zone for Al-Cu and Al-Cu-Li alloys is qualitatively described in terms of diffusion controlled modifications that result in the minimization of chemical free energy. Coarsening of strengthening precipitate is anticipated at relatively low peak temperatures; whereas, dissolution is expected to dominate the microstructural modifications within the heat affected zone for these alloys. Transmission electron microscopy of alloy 2195-T8 was performed to validate the analysis. Dissolution of {theta}{prime} (Al{sub 2}Cu) was seen to occur within the heat affected zone at temperatures below 220 C. The primary strengthening phase, T{sub 1} (Al{sub 2}CuLi), exhibited partial dissolution at peak temperatures of 320 C. Peak temperatures up to 500 C resulted in partial dissolution of T{sub 1} during heating and growth upon cooling. Positions near the fusion zone interface resulted in complete dissolution of strengthening precipitate and re-precipitation of copper-rich zones upon cooling. The effect of microstructural modifications within the heat affected zone on mechanical properties is discussed in terms of strengthening mechanisms.