PROPERTIES OF ALUMINIUM-STEEL PLATES EXPLOSIVELY WELDED USING AMONEX

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility to use the industrial explosive Amonex, which belongs to a group of low-to-middle detonation velocity explosives, for welding of metallic materials. It consists of ammonium nitrate and TNT as energetic components and other inert ingredients and has a powdery consistency , easily applicable in a desirable layer over the metal plates to be welded . Within this research, Amonex was applied to weld plates of aluminium Al 2024 and steel 1.0216 (according to EN 10027-2). The procedure of welding was carried out in the configuration of parallel plates, and afterwards the welded joint was examined. Ultrasonic method and infrared imaging were used as non-destructive techniques, and then the samples were cut from the welded plate using water-jet, in order to perform microscopic analyses of the cross-section in the joint area. It was observed that a good-quality welded joint was obtained, and that the selected explosive may find further application in this area. However, certain non-welded area was observed, encouraging future modification of the welding procedure set-up.