Special features of the weldability of a new wrought VMD16 magnesium alloy

ABSTRACT

The results of the investigation of the weldability of a new VMD16 magnesium alloy by automatic argon-shielded arc welding and friction stir welding are presented. The friction stir welding technology was investigated for the first time for the Russian magnesium wrought alloy. The data obtained in the studies of the phase composition and structure of the VMD16 alloy are presented. The experimental results show that the intermetallic phases (Mg, Zn)₅REE (REE = rare-earth elements) and Zn₂(Zr, REE)₃ and the Laves phases ZrZn₂, together with the fine-grained and equiaxed structure (the grain size 8–12 µm), result in a high level of the strength characteristics of the alloy and of welded joints in the alloy. It is also shown that the alloy is characterized by higher (two to six times) resistance to the formation of cracks in welding than the standard magnesium alloys MA2-1, MA2-1pch and MA20. The strength of the welded joints in the VMD16 alloy equals 0.85–0.88 of the strength of the parent material. Postweld heat treatment is not required.

KEYWORDS:

• heat-resistant magnesium-based alloy VMD16
• phase composition
• fine grained microstructure
• automatic argon arc welding
• the characteristics of the welded joints

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