Development of Double Pulse Tungsten Inert Gas Welding Technique for High-Performance AA2024-T3 Aerospace Components
摘要
Aluminium and its alloys, particularly Al 2024, are extensively utilized in aerospace applications due to their advantageous properties, including low density, ease of machining, and excellent corrosion resistance. Welding is a critical process in fabricating these components, and conventional Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is commonly employed for joining thin sections. However, this study investigates the potential of the novel Double Pulse TIG (DP-TIG) welding process as an alternative method for improving weld quality in thin Al 2024 components. By analyzing the welding parameters and process characteristics, this research compares conventional TIG with DP-TIG welding. Notably, DP-TIG significantly reduces heat input by 42%, which leads to minimize thermal distortion—a key challenge in welding thin materials. The mechanical properties of the welded joints are also assessed, revealing that DP-TIG welding increases joint strength by 25% (UTS) and hardness by 10% compared to traditional TIG methods. Furthermore, the use of DP-TIG reduces residual stress by 40%, contributing to better dimensional stability. The findings of this study suggest that DP-TIG welding offers substantial improvements in both weld quality and mechanical performance over conventional TIG welding. These insights provide a valuable reference for selecting the most appropriate welding technique for joining thin aluminium components, particularly in high-performance sectors like aerospace, where both structural integrity and precision are critical.