Analysis for relative motion in ultrasonic welding of aluminium sheet

Ultrasonic welding of pure aluminium sheets was observed with a high speed video camera. The dynamic vibration behaviours of a welding tip and aluminium sheets were analysed using the digital image correlation method. The welding process consisted of the following three stages. First, the upper specimen in contact with the weld tip vibrated. The formation of partially welded regions was confirmed at this stage. Second, the vibration amplitude of the upper specimen decreased, while friction between the weld tip and the upper specimen increased. Growth of the partially bonded region was confirmed in the second stage. Third, the welding part began to plastically deform owing to the clamping force. The joint strength reached its maximum value at the third stage. The analysis demonstrated that the relative motion between the weld tip and the upper specimen predominantly affected the increase in joint strength.