Aluminum Weld Shear Strength?

[PhilipFry]

Here's an easy question. I'm using 4043 to weld two 6061-T6 tubes and I'm trying to figure out the strength of the weld. I've found some literature that says the minimum shear strength of a weld using 4043 is 15 ksi. Does that figure include the weld efficiency, or would I need to knock that number down even further?

 

[metengr]

No, I would believe that the ultimate shear strength number that you stated is a measured value of the weld metal. Not exactly sure what you mean by weld efficiency, but if you are going to use this strength value you might want to assign a reduction factor for design margin. What type of weld joint design are you going to use - a fillet or full penetration weld to join the tubes?

 

[boo1]

6061-T6 welded with ER4043, non HT the yield strenght welded is reduced to 18 KSI, Ultimate tensile welded is ~27 KSI. Typical shear is 60% of yield. The weld eff will also reduce the allowable load further.

Consider a full pent weld and HT if full strength is required.

 

[unclesyd]

From the little ALCOA Handbook:
Welded butt joints.
Minimum expected strength. (Called design point by ALCOA)
Welded with no post weld heat treatment.

6061-T6 welded with 4043 under 3/16" thick:
UTS 24,000 psi YS 20,000 psi

6061-T6 welded with 4043 over 3/16" thick
UTS 24,000 psi YS 15,000 psi

::

Minimum Shear Strength of 4043 Filet Weld after naturally aging 2-3 months.

Shear Strength 11,500 psi