Microstructural and Mechanical Characteristics Examination of Ultrasonically Welded Joints Using Orthogonal Experimentation

Abstract

In this paper, we present an investigation of ultrasonic welding performance for 25 mm² copper wire and T2 copper plate across various welding parameters using orthogonal experimentation. The objective of this work was to explore the influence of operational parameters on the resulting welds. A comprehensive study of the mechanical properties and microstructure of the copper wire-to-copper plate joint was carried out using a series of sophisticated instruments. It includes a universal tensile machine, resistance measuring equipment, SEM, EDS and temperature measuring tool. This multifaceted approach enabled a detailed analysis of the joint's integral features and properties. This provides further insight into its performance and durability. Findings indicate that welding pressure has the most significant effect on welded joints. The optimal combination of parameters is achieved with the welding energy set at 6000 J, the welding amplitude at 85% and the welding pressure at 260 kPa. In different sets of welding parameters, joint strength is positively related to welding parameters and increases with increasing welding parameters. Joint resistance decreases with increasing joint tensile load and conductivity can be used to evaluate ultrasonic welding. It has been found that the development of the welded joint is achieved gradually in a direction moving inwards from the welding tool head, exhibiting a methodical forming process. Three distinct failure modes are observed in welded joints such as joint pullout, joint tearing and busbar breakage. The peak temperature during the welding process was recorded at 373 °C which indicates that the ultrasonic welding is a solid state connection.