Effects of pulse-impact on the welding of SiC_P/Al-6061 aluminium matrix composites

The effects of pulse-impact on liquid-phase pulse-impact diffusion welding of an SiC_p/Al-6061 aluminium matrix composite were investigated. The results show that under the influence of pulse-impacts: (i) the extent of the two-phase liquid–solid region increases with increments in welding temperature; (ii) the internal stresses at the interface are released, resulting in welded joints with a higher strength; (iii) the density of dislocations near to and away from the interface in the matrix are higher than in the parent composite, and the dislocations entangle extensively; (iv) nano-grains form which appear to improve the properties of the welded joints. This paper is part of a thematic issue on Light Alloys.