Express mechanical characteristics control of aluminum alloys and their welds
A new method of aluminum alloys and their welded joints mechanical properties determination is developed. The method is based on the instrumented indentation test with the registration of “load - displacement” curve during loading and unloading. This method allows to evaluate the yield stress, ultimate stress and ultimate uniform elongation of metal in local zones of welded joints as well as to find the weakest area in the joint. The experimental approbation of the proposed method on hardenable and non-hardenable aluminum alloys was realized.