Magnesium and aluminum alloys are widely used in the aerospace industries due to their lightweight and high strength characteristics. However

welding aluminum/magnesium dissimilar alloys is an extremely challenging task because of the significant differences in their physical and chemical properties

and the formation of brittle Al–Mg intermetallic compounds can seriously affect joint strength. This article discusses the current research status of welding aluminum/magnesium dissimilar alloys from the perspective of welding methods

including laser welding

TIG welding

friction stir welding

ultrasonic welding

magnetic pulse welding

and some other welding methods. Various efforts made by domestic and foreign researchers to improve the comprehensive mechanical properties of aluminum/magnesium dissimilar alloys welding joints are summarized

specifically including the use of solid-state welding

adding intermediate layers

optimizing welding process parameters

and composite welding to suppress the generation and growth of magnesiumaluminum intermetallic compounds. Finally

the research trends and prospects of aluminum/magnesium welding are summarized and discussed.