SUSU scientists have created ultrasonic technology for metal welding

Scientists from South Ural State University in Chelyabinsk have created a new technology for welding metals using ultrasound.

The strength of connections when using the new technology has doubled, and the service life of parts has almost doubled.

The new technology can be used in the production of electric vehicles, aircraft, as well as in the construction of bridges and high-rise buildings.

CHELYABINSK, October 3 - RIA Novosti. Scientists from the South Ural State University in Chelyabinsk have created a new technology for welding metals using ultrasound; the method will make it possible to firmly connect parts of a car and even an airplane, the press service of the university told RIA Novosti.

As the press service explained, in a modern car, during the usual welding of a light aluminum door to a steel body, a hard but fragile layer is formed at the joint, which can crack and the part fall off. State University scientists, together with colleagues from China, found a way out: they decided not just to melt metals with electric current, but at the same time “shake” them vigorously.

“Ultrasonic waves with a power of about 1200 watts have been added to the new spot welding technology. The test results are impressive: the strength of the joints has doubled, the service life of parts has almost doubled. Parts after such a connection can withstand constant vibration for years without a single crack,” the press service told the agency.

At the moment of welding, an ultrasonic wave passes through the hot metal, and the crystals inside the seam become tiny and even, and the sound knocks air bubbles out of the metal, making the seam perfectly tight. The new connection technology will make it possible to create light-weight electric vehicles that can travel farther on a single charge, or lighter aircraft that can carry more passengers or luggage, the university noted.

Also, the new method will help build bridges and high-rise buildings, where metal components will hold each other stronger than monolithic concrete, the university clarified.