Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Cu–Al joints by ultrasonic welding

Dissimilar joints of copper to aluminium were produced by high power ultrasonic welding (USW). The interfacial reaction between copper and 6061 aluminium alloy as a function of welding time was studied. The intermetallic compound (IMC) layer is mainly composed of CuAl2 and Cu9Al4. The thickness of the IMC layer increases with the welding time. For a relatively long welding time (0·7 s) in USW, the dendritic solidification microstructure was observed in local regions, owing to the occurrence of the eutectic reaction, α-Al+θ→L, in the welding process. The lap shear load (or strength) of the joints first increases and then decreases with increasing welding time, and the failure of the joints occurred dominantly at the interface. This is mainly attributed to the development of IMC layer at the interface.