scope:

Dynamic Tear and J-integral specimens having four levels of porosity were prepared from weldable aluminum alloy welds (5083/5183,6061/5356, and 5455/5556). All specimens were fatigue precracked before testing. The amount of porosity was measured directly on the fracture surfaces using quantative metallographic methods and was divided into macro- and micro-porosity (pores equal to or larger than and smaller than 0.01-in., respectively). Radiography indicates only the macro-porosity as discrete pores. In general, there was 5 to 10 times more micro-porosity than macro-porosity found on the fracture surfaces. Total porosity was the sum of the macro- and the micro-porosity.