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Preface
When we, the authors, decided to write this book, we had a definite aim in mind – to present a “practical” approach to the application of welding theories.
Over recent years universities and colleges have recognized the previous lack of attention paid to the welding fraternity and subsequently greatly improved teaching capabilities and lecture contents. As a result, the modem engineer is well versed in basic metallurgical behavior; he is aware of the application of electronic wizardry to modem equipment; fracture mechanics is not just an obscure theory but a practical everyday tool; and, modem materials and consumables have apparently eliminated many of the problems of the past. What the modem welding engineer lacks is the knowledge of how to apply this knowledge in a practical sense. What we have attempted to write is basically a distillation of almost 60 years (between the two of us) of hard-gained realism in heavy engineering fabrication.
The basis of the book is therefore an assumption that the reader is already knowledgeable of basic welding and metallurgical theory. He is most likely a metallurgist, materials science or mechanical engineering graduate who, during his or her university career has stumbled, or been fortuitously directed, into the welding field. It is obviously a biased view, but in the opinion of the authors, welding is one of the most exciting fields available to a young graduate. It is both vibrant and dynamic with new avenues to be explored becoming available on a regular basis. Synergic gas metal arc welding and inverter power sources, electron and laser welding, magnetic-impelled arc butt-joint welding (MIAB), robotic welding, and diffusion bonding are careers in themselves. It is difficult to identify another discipline where the range of possibilities are as diverse, broad, and exciting, and where the potentials for exploration and discovery stretch enticingly into the future.
However, enough of such esoteric digressions. This book was not written from that approach. It is intended to present the inexperienced welding engineer with some “sage” advice on some of the pitfalls awaiting in the hard commercial world that awaits. Be under no illusions; it is not sufficient to be the best theoretical welding engineer in your company. You must know how to apply that knowledge in an almost “street-wise’’ manner.
