Texture, residual stress and mechanical properties of 7039-T6 thick plate Al alloy with MIG-welded laminar tearing

• Laminar tearing in 7039-T6 Al alloy thick plates after MIG welding initiates in the base metal along the rolling direction, driven by a combination of strong texture, high dislocation density, and increased Al7Cu2Fe phases. • Residual stress in the base metal, exacerbated by welding shrinkage and fixation constraints, is a critical factor promoting crack formation and propagation. • The study provides preventive measures, such as optimizing welding parameters and post-weld heat treatment, to mitigate laminar tearing in thick-plate aluminum alloys. • The findings offer a theoretical basis for improving the reliability and safety of armored vehicles and other applications using 7039 Al alloys.