Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Discontinuously reinforced Al alloys (DRAs) are difficult to join using conventional fusion welding techniques due to inhomogeneous redistribution of the reinforcements and reaction between molten Al and SiC. Two specialized welding techniques, capacitor discharge welding and flash welding, were assessed as possible ways to avoid these problems. Using these techniques, welds were made with two DRAs: 8009/SiC/llp and 2009/SiC/15w. Capacitor discharge welding resulted in the formation of Al-carbides in the weld zones, but flash welding produced satisfactory joints in both DRAs.