Heat affected zones (Topic: 12008)

Most alloys used in structural applications reach their mechanical properties through cold-working or heat-treating. When welding these aluminium alloys the heat produced by the arc will lowering the mechanical properties in and near the weld. The zones near the weld with lowered mechanical properties are called heat affected zones (HAZ).

Using the right filler metal, it will be the strength of the HAZ which will be governing in structural calculations.

The width of the HAZ may be considered constant, 25 mm on each side of the axis of the weld dead.

References: [15, 16, 17, 18]