UNIVERSITY OF MALTA

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
B.ENG. (HONS.) COURSE
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STREAM
YEAR III – SEMESTER II
MAY/JUNE 2009 SESSION OF EXAMINATIONS

MME 3006 - Joining and Welding Processes Monday 8th June 2009

9.15 – 11.15am

This paper contains FIVE questions. You are to attempt FOUR.

1 a) Using the spot welding process as a model, highlight the principle of the
resistance welding process.
(7 Marks)

b) What are the major problems encountered with spot welds?

(7 Marks)

c) How are these problems solved, and how is quality assured?

(7 Marks)

d) Why is it difficult to weld high conductivity copper components?

(4 Marks)

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2 a) Why is it more difficult to arc weld Aluminium then it is to arc weld steel?
(5 Marks)

b) Why is the problem with Aluminium solved differently than in the case of steel?
(6 Marks)

c) What role do fluxes play in the production of good quality welds?

(6 Marks)

d) Distinguish between the power source characteristics suitable for

i) MIG / CO2 arc welding
ii) Submerged arc welding, and
iii) Manual metal arc.
(8 Marks)

3 a) What is the major difference between soldering and welding; and what are the
benefits arising from this difference?
(7 Marks)

b) Giving examples, explain why the composition of the solder determines its
application.
(9 Marks)

c) “The design of solder joints seek to solve problems associated with this joining
process”. Explain.
(9 Marks)

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 4 a) List and write notes on the parameters which determine the quality of welds
produced by the pressure welding process.
(9 Marks)

b) What is the major difference distinguishing pressure welds from arc and
resistance welds?
(4 Marks)

c) Write short notes on two pressure welding process, and suggest one typical
application.
(8 Marks)

d) Pressure welding is difficult with Copper alloys but comparatively easy with
Titanium. Discuss.
(4 Marks)

5 a) Using a sketch show the variation in grain size with distance from the centre of
a single run arc weld.
(7 Marks)

b) What is the effect of multi-runs on grain size?

(5 Marks)

c) Explain why a welded component frequently does not fail from the weld.
(5 Marks)

d) Submerged arc welds have a relatively low strength. Explain why, and suggest
two ways how this could be remedied.
(8 Marks)

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