Existing problems of electron beam welding of aluminum alloy constructions are considered. For research purposes, the aluminum-magnesium alloy of grade 1561 up to 60 mm thick was used. The thermal field in the heat influence zone is studied experimentally and analytically on the basis of the finite element method (the «Ansys» program). The effect of electron beam movement (scanning) influence on the quality of welded connections and the surface of the welded parts was studied. On the basis of metallographic studies and mechanical tests of welded metal, it is proved that high quality of welded joints is ensured when the beam moves along a curve of the «compressed brackets» shape. A special generator is designed to control the electron beam, which allows to implement a new type of scanning (compressed brackets). The fundamentals of welding technology for alloy 1561 up to 60 mm thick are outlined. Specific recommendations are given, and two new methods are proposed that will allow the successful use of the developed technology in factories in the production of new products and in the repair processes. Examples and analysis of thermal cycles obtained by calculation and experimental method are given. The patterns of heat distribution along the trajectory of the beam movement for different types of scanning are established. The main types of defects in the formation of the welded joints and those formed in the metal during crystallization are considered. Their interrelation with the parameters of the welding mode is shown.
