Characterization by X-ray diffraction and tomography of Fe-Al intermetallic formation during Al-Fe welding process

In order to improve the mechanical properties of Fe-Al welds (as a promising and cost-efficient method to support car weight decrease) understanding the formation mechanisms of Fe-Al intermetallic compounds (IMC) is key. This proposal aims to perform in situ bonding monitored by X-ray tomography and X-ray diffraction, in order to follow the formation kinetics and morphology of the IMC during the process and quantify the associated growth regime. The obtained data will serve to calibrate a numerical model aiming to predict intermetallic formation subsequent to a given set of welding parameters.