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ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE NODE
The UOA node of the CRC-WS conducts research on a number of welding related phenomena. The group has a focus on the relationship between the microstructure and properties of welded joints. Welds can represent a structural weakness in a component if the mechanical properties of the weld do not match the properties of the parent material being joined. In addition, welds may have a reduced corrosion resistance or increased susceptibility to cracking compared to the rest of the structure. Understanding why these property differences exist, how they relate to the microstructure of the weld zone and how they are influenced by the welding process is key to eliminating or mitigating against these potential weaknesses.
The group is currently exploring microstructure - property relationships in a number of applications, namely:
- Hydrogen affected cold cracking of ferrous alloys
- Cracking in high chromium white iron hardfacing alloys
- Friction stir welds in aluminium alloys - aerospace, automotive and marine grades
- Corrosion and environment influenced cracking in stainless steels
Residual stresses created around welds as part of the welding process play a significant role in determining the integrity of a structure. Quantifying these residual stresses is a non-trival exercise, but knowing the magnitude of the residual stress significantly improves knowledge about the integrity of a structure. The group is conducting research into the determination and modelling of residual stresses in friction stir welds and highly restrained welds in steel structures.
Welding fume poses a significant occupational hazard for welders, largely mitigated against by work place practices. The group is carrying out investigations into the formation of fume in the near arc region and the spacial development of chemical species in the fume. The aim of this research is to develop methods by which the quantity and or toxicity of welding fume can be reduced at source.
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