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PWL#123 - Computer Modeling in NDE, Aluminum Tubing Brazing Overlap, Proceedings from the 5th IBSC
November 01, 2013
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PWL#123
Practical Welding Letter No.123
November 2013

Computer Modeling solving Problems in NDE, Aluminum Tubing Brazing Overlap, Proceedings from the 5th International Brazing and Soldering Conference, Changes in the 2013 Edition of ASME BPVC, Section IX, Aerospace Materials Competition between CFRP+Titanium and New Aluminum Alloys, Revised Website pages on Fume Hazards (R) and Heat Treatment (R) and much more...


November 2013 - Practical Welding Letter - Issue No.123


Important Notice

The Mid October 2013 Issue of Practical Welding Letter, Bulletin 90, introducing Online Resources on Integrated Computational Materials Engineering was NOT distributed by e-mail.
It is available at Bulletin 90 and from the Welding Resources Page.


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TABLE of CONTENTS

1 - Introduction

2 - Article - Computer Modeling

3 - How to do it well: brazing overlap

4 - Advancements in Filler Metal for Brazing and Soldering

5 - Online Press: recent Welding related Articles

6 - Terms and Definitions Reminder

7 - Article: Changes in the 2013 Edition of ASME BPVC, Section IX

8 - Site Updating: Fume Hazards (R), Heat Treating (R)

9 - Short Items

10 - Explorations: beyond the Welder

11 - Contributions: Aerospace Materials Competition

12 - Testimonials

13 - Correspondence: a few Comments

14 - Bulletin Board


1 - Introduction

Welcome to this 123th Issue of Practical Welding Letter. In this November publication we remark that the trend towards increased use of computational models seems to enlarge its scope, covering new fields that were not served until recent times. A few new applications are reported.

A short note on aluminum brazing overlap size indicates the current practice accepted and the recommended values. Then we report on a rich source of recent information on brazing and soldering materials and techniques.

It is all in the Proceedings of the last 5th International Conference on Brazing and Soldering Conference, held on last year's spring. References are given for interested readers.

We report on an article from the Welding Journal, outlining the changes introduces in the last edition of the ASME Code for Boilers and Pressure Vessels, Section IX, due to become binding at the beginning of next year. This should become working knowledge for those practicing the document instructions.

The continuing evolving competition between different materials for aircraft frame construction involves huge economic interests. But the progress derived from the development work enriches the knowledge of all that wish to remain updated on what is going on in the field. Lessons will be learned also from spinoffs to different industries like automotive and construction.

The revised and updated pages of this month deal with welding fume hazards and heat treatment. It is amazing to follow how rapidly the techniques and the processes evolve and produce advanced solutions to keep pace with progress.

The other sections can be found at their usual place, providing reference to informative sources of knowledge for those who like to keep in contact with the changing landscape of industrial and scientific progress. Readers looking for information are urged to browse the Site Map page or to type the keywords of their query in the search box appearing on almost every page of this website.

Readers are invited to ask their questions but to provide full details on their problems. Sloppy questions are only a waste of time.

We hope you will enjoy reading, while learning some useful updates on certain subjects. Comments and feedback are welcome. Please DON'T USE REPLY. Fill instead the Contact Us Form.


2 - Article - Computer Modeling

ASM Cover_10

The trend of enlarging the scope and deepening the reach of computational tool development for advancing materials engineering and manufacturing capabilities, exposed in the last issues of PWL (PWL#122 and Bulletin 90), appears also from other sources that work on different applications.

The October 2013 Issue of AM&P, a publication of ASM International, mentions at page 10 the combined efforts of two university researchers that, with the help of a grant obtained from the National Science Foundation, will join forces for developing computing systems in support of material activities and computational models based on geometry, materials, and physics.

"The next step is to create models and languages that include information about the materials, physics, and design intent. The scope of the grant is to create an abstract, foundational link between computers and materials and their behaviors. If successful, this research should lead to a systematic reexamination of how design and manufacturing are taught and practiced at all levels".

At page 18 an article explains how "Computer Modeling Solves Practical Problems in NDE" (Nondestructive Examination) by offering examples of work in Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and in Eddy Current (EC) inspection.

Modeling can be helpful in the fast evaluation of sensor response to various inspection parameters, determining its impact on procedure performance.

Fine details in the manufacturing and finishing of sensitive probes or sensors can be significant in the response of devices to actual inspection conditions: modeling studies aim to identify possible ways of sensor and inspection technique optimization.

The article goes on by giving detailed description of typical instances where the proper use of modeling provided insight that helped substantially in solving the problems.

It concludes that the use of modeling tools in NDE development and evaluation process brings about numerous potential benefits, mainly time and cost savings. Modeling reduces significantly the time required to optimize procedures used to inspect structures with complex geometries.

The number of experimental specimens and mock-ups needed for technique and procedure validation is remarkably reduced, providing substantial cost savings, while increasing also inspection reliability and repeatability.

Another article, at page 22 of the same issue outlines the challenges confronting designers of modern airframe, especially where composite materials are used. This is because there are still barriers to innovation even with the most advanced CAD (Computer Aided Design) and FEA (Finite Elements Analysis) software.

Optimization tools are not yet as integrated as they should be, and procedures are needed to enable a faster design cycle. Nevertheless new software programs developed at NASA, that offer design, analysis, and optimization tools for both composites and metals, help to advance development by automating data exchanges without loss of information.

By using the software during preliminary design, engineers can explore more options and perform tradeoff studies involving thousands of alternatives. This enables validation of strength and minimal weights for each option, to explore the greatest overall weight savings and multiple opportunities to reduce cost.

The article concludes that "As the commercial aircraft and aerospace industries continue to embrace composites and other advanced materials in search of lightweight structures, new challenges are on the horizon.

Solutions will emerge from optimization modeling that can address every variable, identify substantial weight savings, and generate several alternative designs. Doing all of this seamlessly and without disrupting existing processes will help engineering teams achieve the best results possible.

In an ideal airframe design process, wide-open design space exploration will lead to lightweight, structurally sound designs that are easily manufactured and certified to fly".

Readers are urged to seek the original articles in the publication referred to above.

FEA Computed Airframe

A HyperSizer screen shot shows an FEA computed axial running load for airframe stiffened panel skins, where purple indicates peak compressive force. HyperSizer iterates in an automated loop with FEA software to calculate best lightweight, robust design options.

[From SAE Vehicle Engineering
http://www.digitalcar.sae.org/mags/sve/tools/11858
©2013 SAE International. All rights reserved. ]


3 - How to do it well: brazing overlap

Brazing aluminum alloy tubing joints, where the smaller diameter tube is inserted for some overlapping length into the larger diameter one, requires that two geometric parameters, overlap length and clearance at brazing temperature, be correctly established by design.

As a rule, the overlap length should be as short as possible, compatible with sufficient strength in a simple tensile test. In practice, for aluminum alloys, the acceptable length should be between one and three times the thickness of the thinnest member. This is less than what is acceptable for brazing other materials.

If possible, brazing filler metal should be preplaced at the inside end of the joint and made to flow toward the free end, where the result of the operation could be easily inspected. It should never be supplied from both sides.

Clearance at the brazing temperature should be minimal, between 0.05 and 0.1 mm (0.002" - 0.004"), as shear strength drops rapidly with the thickness of the brazing material in the joint.

Brazing Overlap

Brazing Overlap

[From http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tubepipefabrication/brazing-copper-tubing ]


4 - Advancements in Filler Metal for Brazing and Soldering

The Proceedings from the 5th International Brazing and Soldering Conference on April 22-25, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA (IBSC 2012) are available.

The contents (11 pages) of the proceedings are downloadable from
www.asminternational.org/content/ASM/StoreFiles/05364G_TOC.pdf

By viewing the Table of Content, readers can find out the articles that could provide information on their applications. In that case they may read those pages from the following reference.

Selected pages can be viewed from
books.google.com/books?isbn=1615039937

Filler Metal Properties Symposium, includes 6 papers and is part of IBSC 2012,
Proceedings of the 5th International Brazing and Soldering Conference,
held April 22–25, 2012, at Red Rock Casino Resort Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Edited by Robin Gourley and Chuck Walker.

Sponsored by ASM International and American Welding Society.
ASM.

IBSC 2012 Proceedings

Proceedings of IBSC 2012


5 - Online Press: recent Welding related Articles

Laser welding leads to Corvette's strength, refinement and quality
Ind. Lasers.

EWI gets $5M slice of innovation funding pool for research project
Biz Journals.

The Future of Welding - Laser Hybrid Welding
Robotics.

HIGH-SPEED IMAGING:
Laser illumination reveals high-brightness processes

Laser Focus.

Sunnybrook Welding innovation helps farmers save time, money and fuel
From: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/
Sorry, Link not available

Laser welding of composites meeting draws a crowd
http://optics.org/news/4/10/37


6 - Terms and Definitions Reminder

Intermediate weld bead results from the deposition of an intermediate weld pass.

Longitudinal bend test specimen is a weld test specimen welded along its axis, presented to the bend testing fixture in such a way that the bend axis be transversal to the weld.

Molten metal, same as weld metal.

Powder Flame Spraying is a process variation where the surfacing material is in powder form.

Reaction Stress is generated by thermo mechanical deformations when the member is connected to other parts of the structure. It would not exist if the member were an isolated free body.

Stress relief heat treatment means heating uniformly a stressed structure or a part of it to a suitable temperature for relieving most of residual stresses, followed by uniform cooling.

Throat crack appears on the surface of a fillet weld.

Weld Crack is located in the weld metal or in the heat affected zone.


7 - Article: Changes in the 2013 Edition of ASME BPVC, Section IX

Oct. WJ Cover

An article by Walter J. Sperko, published at page 87 of the October 2013 issue of the Welding Journal, summarizes the significant changes that become mandatory with the new year.

All of the changes can be readily identified in the "Summary of Changes" found in the new edition of Section IX.

The original article referred to here, may help readers who have only occasional interaction with the said Code, to find out how the new document now organizes basic requirements.

The introduction of two new Parts: QG General Requirements, and QF Plastic Fusing is the big change in Section IX 2013.

Part QG is an extract of the general and administrative requirements found in the previous Parts dealing with Welding and Brazing, established to avoid repetitions, by instructing to refer to the process in cause, as required.

The article explains that the new QG-101, Procedure Specification, specifies the requirements for the written instruction document, with no significant changes, except that "manufacturer or contractor" is now substituted by "organization".

It also point out that, while specific requirements have been relocated in the new Part QG, the administrative rules were not changed, so that any practices that were acceptable or prohibited under the previous editions of Section IX are acceptable or prohibited in this edition.

A new Appendix K has been introduced to give guidance to other standards developers and engineers who want to invoke the requirements of Section IX, on the proper way to do so.

Part QF establishes the present rules for Plastic Fusing processes: by now it covers only hot plate fusion of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), but its open structure allows future additions. It has four Articles that parallel the organization of Parts QW and QB.

Three new welding processes have been added in Welding Procedure (QW-200): Hybrid plasma-GMAW, hybrid laser-GMAW and Friction stir welding.

To preclude the current interpretation that, in a 10-in. (250-mm-) thick test coupon only depositing ¾ in. (19 mm) of weld metal with a single welding process, without welding the full thickness of the test coupon would qualify for the whole thickness, a note has been added to QW-451 specifying that test coupons more than 6 in. (150 mm) must be welded for their full thickness.

A note has been added to QW-451.4 pointing out that fillet welds qualified by groove weld test are subject to restrictions imposed by supplementary essential variables when qualification of the WPS with impact testing is a requirement.

The Article reviews the rules in QW-462.1(d), for accepting machined specimens violating machining tolerances, provided the actual diameter (instead of the nominal) is used to calculate the area of the specimen section.

Additional specifications refer to hardness testing requirements, to metal overlay qualification and to welder qualification changes. A correction of conflicting instructions relative to current tolerance in stud welding has been resolved.

Information on changes relative to base and filler metals should be looked for in the original article or in the new 2013 Code because of the risk of introducing errors by incomplete summary.

The article encourages readers to check published interpretations that can be found at:
http://cstools.asme.org/Interpretations.cfm

These were issued under IX-13-03. To seek the white paper Auditing Welding under ASME Section IX one should do a Web search for the paper by its title.

The article referred to above is recommended to all.

2013 ASME BPVC IX

2013 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), Section IX: Welding, Brazing, and Fusing Qualifications: Qualification Standard for Welding, Brazing, and Fusing Procedures; Welders; Brazers; and Welding, Brazing and Fusing Operators

[From ASME BPVC-IX-2013
http://www.standardsbox.com/asme-bpvcix2013-p-1514.html ]


8 - Site Updating: Fume Hazards (R), Heat Treating (R)

The Pages of this Month that were revised and updated in our website refer to subjects quite important for every welding operation.

On the subject of Fume Hazards, every welder should know what means must be used to avoid dangers to the personal health of those involved.

Managers should instruct their welders on the long term damages likely to affect those who don't apply the required precautions. They should provide welding fume extractors and care that they be well maintained and in good working condition. Their use should be always enforced.
The revised page is found at Fume Hazards.

Heat Treating is a most comprehensive term. Very often some kind of it must be applied, before, during or after welding. It is imperative that welders know the means for performing these operations and how they should be applied to achieve their purpose.
The revised page is found at Heat Treating.

Readers can browse the Site Map for finding main subject pages, the Welding Topics page for the titles of main PWL Articles, and the Welding Resources page for lists of Online Links to rich sources of knowledge.

Comments, questions and feedback are welcome. Use the Contact Us Form.


9 - Short Items

Do you know...

  • ... that shape-memory plastics reverse deformation?
    IBS.

  • ...that Slug Glue may render suturing process obsolete?
    Ithaca.edu.

  • ...that GA Innovative Reactor Program is 53% efficient?
    GA.

  • ...that innovative coatings are Hard Chrome Replacement?
    Hardide.

  • ...the story of graphene?
    The Univ. of Manchester.
    Explore the page showing.

9.1 - Abrasive Jet Machining consists in material removal from a workpiece by impingement of fine abrasive particles that are entrained in a focused, high-velocity liquid or gas stream. Similar to Abrasive (water)jet cutting.

9.2 - Back Draft is a reverse taper on a casting pattern or a forging die that prevents the pattern or forged stock from being removed from the cavity, unless it is built with special provisions to permit removal.

9.3 - Carbon Steel is that having no specified minimum quantity for any alloying element (other than those commonly accepted) and containing only an incidental amount (less than 0.5%) of any other element. Low-carbon steels contain up to 0.30% C, medium-carbon steels contain from 0.30 to 0.60% C, and high-carbon steels contain from 0.60 to 1.00% C.

9.4 - Deep Etching refers to macroetching for metallographic examination, especially for steels, to determine the overall character of the material, and the presence of imperfections, such as seams, forging bursts, shrinkage-void remnants, cracks, and coring.

9.5 - Emission Spectroscopy is the branch of spectroscopy treating the theory, interpretation, and application of spectra originating in the emission of electromagnetic radiation by atoms, ions, radicals, and molecules.

9.6 - Gutter is a depression around the periphery of a forging die impression that allows space for the excess metal. It surrounds the finishing impression and provides room for the excess metal used to ensure a sound forging.


10 - Explorations: beyond the Welder

Business Aims to Replace Diesel as Fuel for Trucking
SA1.

Search Escalates for Key to Why Matter Exists
SA2.

also
Simons .

How Electric Vehicles Play a Key Role in the Grid of the Future
SA3.

Why Australia's Wildfires Are So Extensive Now
SA4.

Threats to Sharks Destabilize Entire Ecosystems
SA5.


11 - Contributions: Aerospace Materials Competition

Recent publications outline the success of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) for building load sustaining airframe parts, mainly for its high strength-to-weight ratio and rigidity. It has been established that these materials have good compatibility with Titanium alloys, as their stiffness and coefficient of thermal expansion are similar.

Furthermore Titanium is electrochemically compatible with CFRP and resists galvanic corrosion. That cannot be said of aluminum alloys which tend to corrode when placed in contact with CFRP.

The design of new generation of large passenger aircraft, the A380 and A350 from Airbus and 787 from Boeing, use greater volumes of CFRPs in the airframe. Concurrently a larger consumption of Titanium alloy parts is projected for the near future, to be met by an increase in the estimated metal production.

Reacting to these developments, aluminum producers have invested heavily in research to find ways to combat corrosion and promote lighter alloys containing Lithium to be joined successfully to CFRP structures.

The competition is assured to advance the understanding of the basic engineering issues so that each application will benefit of optimized solutions.

The results of the researches will be compiled in the databases to be used with the new software being developed as mentioned in the last article reviewed in section 2 above.

Read the last article pointed at in section 5 above and also:

Titanium Producers Positioned for Growing Demand
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/titanium-producers-positioned-for-growing-demand-217931211.html

Aluminum Fights Back!
http://www.aero-mag.com/_img/pics/pdf_1256313257.pdf

Airbus Airframe

Scheduled for first flight next year, the A350 XWB
features CFRP primary structure up to 150 plies thick.

(Chart © Airbus.)
[From Reinforced Plastics].


12 - Testimonials

On Tue Oct 01 14:42:08 2013, the following results were submitted from the
"Form 5" on welding-advisers.com:

Name: Paul Ipolito
E-Mail Address: removed for security
Country: United States
Organization: SPX Flow Technology
Your Task: Quality Engineer
Details: Elia
Once again you have reduced my level of ignorance.
Mr. Patel mentions an API publication I was unaware of.
Now I will sound like an expert when the subject of
duplex and super duplex comes up.
Thank you and many thanks to Mr.Patel.

Kindest regards
Paul Ipolito


On Mon Oct 28 14:35:04 2013, the following results were submitted from the
"Form 5" on welding-advisers.com:

Name: Eric Hild
E-Mail Address: removed for security
Country: United States
Organization: Toolweld
Your Task: Welder
Details: Hi,

I own a tool welding shop. I use your website as an information source
frequently for my business. [...]

I have your page bookmarked and I look at it often. It is one of the few (if only)
websites that gives concrete information on welding.

Eric


13 - Correspondence: a few Comments

13.1 - This is not the first time that an inquirer sends a void message. He does not ask for any information. Therefore I am relieved from the task of writing an answer. But can someone explain me what is the purpose?

13.2 - A reader asked: Could you please give a suggestion [...]. Unfortunately I could not, because essential details were missing.

13.3 - Should I insist that inquirers follow a rigid format for asking questions, that would make sure that all key details are included? The sloppiness of asking is appalling.


14 - Bulletin Board

14.1 - International Symposium for Testing and Failure Analysis
November 3-7, 2013 San Jose Convention Center, Calif.
www.asminternational.org/content/Events/istfa

14.2 - Introduction to Friction Stir Welding.
Nov. 6, EWI, Columbus, Ohio.
www.ewi.org/events

14.3 - Hypertherm Cutting Institute Online.
Includes video tutorials, interactive e-learning courses, discussion forums, and blogs.
www.hyperthermcuttinginstitute.com

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