The structure of molten zones in explosion welding (aluminium–tantalum, copper–titanium)

Abstract Investigations were carried out into the relief of the flat- and wave-shaped interfaces for explosion-welded aluminium–tantalum and copper–titanium welded joints. For these systems, characterized by a relatively high mutual solubility of the initial elements, the results show a typical set of the structures of the interfaces replacing each other with the intensification of the welding conditions. The unusual shape of the projections on the flat interfaces was found. They are similar to splashes, which form on the surface of the liquid, although they are solid-phase splashes. The vortex structure of the zones of local melting was also detected. The unusual shape of the waves was found: in the presence of mutual solubility they consist of the specially ordered set of projections. It may be assumed that this is caused by the formation of intermetallic compounds on the surface of the projections. The processes of self-organization, ensuring the evolution of the relief of the interface in the intensification of the welding conditions, have been investigated. The role of intermetallic compounds in these self-organization processes is clarified.