Microstructure, strength and welding window of aluminum alloy−stainless steel explosive cladding with different interlayers

Aluminum 5052 (Al 5052)−stainless steel 316 (SS 316) plates were explosively cladded with Al 1100, pure copper and SS 304 interlayers. The operational parameters viz., standoff distance, explosive mass ratio (mass ratio of the explosive to the flyer plate) and inclination angle were varied and the results were presented. The advent of interlayer relocates the lower boundary of the welding window, and enhances the welding regime by 40%. A triaxial welding window, considering the influence of the third operational parameter, was developed as well. Use of interlayer transforms the continuous molten layer formed in the traditional Al 5052−SS 316 explosive clad interfaces into a smooth interface devoid or with a slender presence of intermetallic compounds. The microhardness, ram tensile and shear strengths of the interlayered clads are higher than those of the traditional explosive clads, and the maximum values are witnessed for stainless steel interlaced Al 5052−SS 316 explosive clads.