Multiresponse Optimization of FSW Parameters for Cast AA7075/SiCp Composite

Al/SiC-reinforced metal matrix composite is widely used in weight-sensitive applications such as portable and integrated circuit devices. The presence of SiC particles in aluminum alloys enhances material properties like thermal conductivity, density, and tensile strength. Reinforced aluminum matrix composite can be welded by friction stir welding (FSW) process. This investigation mainly focuses on optimizing the welding parameters of friction stir welded AA7075 with SiC reinforcement particle. The welding parameters considered are spindle speed, travelling speed, downward force, and percentage of SiC added to AA7075. The experiments are designed using response surface methodology (RSM). The responses considered are ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation. Regression models are developed for the single responses and the results are analyzed using analysis of variance. Fuzzy grey relational analysis approach is then used to optimize the FS welding parameters by considering multiresponses. Highest grey fuzzy reasoning grade is obtained at a tool rotational speed of 1150 rpm, welding speed of 40 mm/min, axial force of 6 kN, and percentage of reinforcement of 20 wt% of SiC. The analysis using ANOVA for multiresponse case clearly indicates that the percentage of reinforcement is the most predominant parameter which requires more attention.     

Investigation on TIG welding of SiCp-reinforced aluminum–matrix composite using mixed shielding gas and Al–Si filler

Using He–Ar mixed gas as shielding gas, the tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding of SiCp/6061 Al composites was investigated without and with Al–Si filler. Welded joint with filler were submitted to tensile tests. The microstructure and fracture morphology of the joint were examined. The results show that adding 50 vol.% helium in shielding gas improves the arc stability, and seams with high-quality appearance are obtained when the Al–Si filler is added. In addition, the interface reaction between SiC and matrix is greatly suppressed when using Al–Si filler. The microstructure of the welded joint displays non-uniformity with many SiC particles distributing in the weld center. The average tensile strength of weld joints with Al–Si filler is 70% above that of the matrix composites under annealed condition.     

Susceptibility to Hot Cracking and Weldment Heat Treatment of Haynes 230 Superalloy

This study investigates the susceptibility of hot cracking and weldment heat treatment of Haynes 230 superalloy. The Varestriant test was conducted to evaluate this susceptibility. Welding was performed by gas tungsten arc welding （GTAW） and plasma arc welding （PAW） with stress relief heat treatment and solid solution heat treatment. A tensile test is then performed to measure the changes in the mechanical properties of the heattreated material. The results indicate that the number of thermal cycles does not affect the susceptibility of Haynes 230 superalloy to hot cracking. However, it does increase the strain. In weldment of heat treatment, stress relief annealing increases the yield strength and tensile strength of the welded parts. The section of the tensile specimens shows fibrous fractures on the welded parts, regardless of whether they are heat-treated.     

W与CuCrZr焊接应力的有限元分析及剪切强度的研究

为了研究应用于聚变试验堆的面向等离子体部件中W与CuCrZr的焊接,选用有限元软件ABAQUS对未用无氧铜箔、或使用不同厚度的无氧铜箔,及在不同温度、压力时的焊接应力进行了有限元分析。实验中使用、或未用无氧铜中间层均成功实现了W与CuCrZr的焊接。测定了焊接试样的剪切强度,并通过SEM观察了其断口形貌。实验结果表明,无氧铜箔的使用大大地提高了焊接强度,最高剪切强度高于198MPa,其剪切断口均位于距离焊缝1mm左右的钨块中,且在钨块中均出现了撕裂现象。ABAQUS有限元数值分析的结果表明,无氧铜箔很好地降低了W与CuCrZr之间的焊接应力,较低的焊接温度、较高的焊接压力、增加无氧铜箔的厚度均有助于减小W与CuCrZr之间的焊接应力。     

梯度陶瓷喷嘴残余应力的有限元分析

为了提高喷嘴的抗冲蚀磨损能力,将梯度功能材料理论运用于喷嘴材料的设计中,改传统的均质喷嘴材料为非均质喷嘴材料,提出在梯度陶瓷喷嘴制备中将残余压应力引入喷嘴入口的设计目标.在组成分布指数一定的条件下,针对主要设计参数对梯度陶瓷喷嘴残余应力的影响进行有限元分析,探讨了梯度层厚度、临界梯度层材料组分差对SiC/(W,Ti)C单梯度陶瓷喷嘴残余热应力的影响规律,在组成分布指数取0.5时,优化SiC/(W,Ti)C梯度陶瓷喷嘴梯度层厚和临界梯度层材料组分差.结果表明,残余应力随梯度层厚h及临界梯度层SiC体积组分差的不同产生很大差异,合理设计梯度层厚h及临界梯度层SiC体积组分差可在喷嘴入口形成有效残余压应力,最佳梯度层厚为5mm,临界梯度层SiC组分差小于5%(体积分数).     

GH600高温合金重熔层组织结构对激光焊接性能的影响研究

目的 研究GH600高温合金重熔层组织对T形激光焊接强度的影响。方法 采用激光焊工艺制备GH600高温合金T形焊接接头,采用金相显微镜、扫描电子显微镜和能谱仪观察重熔层去除前后焊接接头的显微组织和元素分布。采用电子万能试验机测试去除重熔层前后焊接接头的力学性能,采用维氏硬度计测试焊接接头的硬度。结果 去除重熔层的焊接接头的抗拉强度约为1400MPa,约为未去除重熔层焊接接头抗拉强度的3倍。结论 焊接强度下降的主要原因如下：重熔层内部存在较大的内应力和缺陷;二次结晶时内应力释放;第二相对晶界的钉扎失效使晶粒异常长大,进而形成白带层。     

Evolution of the Microstructure and Strength in the Nugget Zone of Friction Stir Welded SiCp/Al-Cu-Mg Composite

A 6 mm-thick SiCp/2009AI composite plate was successfully joined by friction stir welding(FSW) using an ultrahard material tool to investigate the evolution of the microstructure and the strength in the nugget zone(NZ).While some SiC particles were broken up during FSW,most of them rotated in the matrix.Large compound particles on the interfaces were broken off during FSW,whereas the amorphous layer and small compound particles remained on the interfaces.The dynamically recrystallized Al grains nucleated on the surface of fractured SiC particles during FSW,forming nano-sized grains around the SiC particles.The yield strength of the NZ decreased slightly due to the variation in the size,shape,and distribution of the SiC particles.The clean interfaces were beneficial to the load transfer between SiC particles and Al matrix and then increased the ultimate tensile strength of the NZ.     

Liquid-phase impact diffusion welding of SiCp/6061Al and its mechanism

Liquid-phase impact diffusion welding (LPIDW) technique was used to join the aluminum matrix composite SiC_p/6061Al. The composite joints welded successfully, gave tensile strength up to 260 MPa and radial deformation below 3%. Analysis of the microstructure and tensile strength of the welded joints showed: (i) the achievement of prominent joint interface between SiC particles and the matrix; (ii) the change of pernicious contact-state from reinforcement (SiC)/reinforcement (SiC) to reinforcement (SiC)/matrix/reinforcement (SiC) of the reinforcement particles; (iii) the disappearance of the harmful microstructure/brittle phase of Al₄C₃ from the welded joint; (iv) the density of dislocation in the matrix next to the interface being higher; (v) the sign of intensively mutual entwisting of dislocation; and (vi) the deformation mainly taking place in the matrix grain. Furthermore, the rapid thermal pressing offered a denser nucleus area for matrix crystal and their deforming matrices around SiC particles engendered intensive aberration, which was favorable for forming nano-grains and for improving the properties of the welded composite joints.     

Thermal shock behavior of nano-sized SiC particulate reinforced AlON composites

Aluminum oxynitride (AlON) has been considered as a potential ceramic material for high-performance structural and advanced refractory applications. Thermal shock resistance is a major concern and an important performance index of high-temperature ceramics. While silicon carbide (SiC) particles have been proven to improve mechanical properties of AlON ceramic, the high-temperature thermal shock behavior was unknown. The aim of this investigation was to identify the thermal shock resistance and underlying mechanisms of AlON ceramic and 8 wt% SiC–AlON composites over a temperature range between 175 °C and 275 °C. The residual strength and Young's modulus after thermal shock decreased with increasing quenching temperature and thermal shock times due to large temperature gradients and thermal stresses caused by abrupt water-quenching. A linear relationship between the residual strength and thermal shock times was observed in both pure AlON and SiC–AlON composites. The addition of nano-sized SiC particles increased both residual strength and critical temperature from 200 °C in the monolithic AlON to 225 °C in the SiC–AlON composites due to the toughening effect, the lower coefficient of thermal expansion and higher thermal conductivity of SiC. The enhancement of the thermal shock resistance in the SiC–AlON composites was directly related to the change of fracture mode from intergranular cracking along with cleavage-type fracture in the AlON to a rougher fracture surface with ridge-like characteristics, crack deflection, and crack branching in the SiC–AlON composites.     

Characterization of microstructure,mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of dissimilar welded joint between 2205 duplex stainless steel and 16MnR

The joint of dissimilar metals between 2205 duplex stainless steel and 16MnR low alloy high strength steel are welded by tungsten inert gas arc welding (GTAW) and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) respectively. The microstructures of welded joints are investigated using scanning electron microscope, optical microscope and transmission electron microscopy respectively. The relationship between mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and microstructure of welded joints is evaluated. Results indicate that there are a decarburized layer and an unmixed zone close to the fusion line. It is also indicated that, austenite and acicular ferrite structures distribute uniformly in the weld metal, which is advantageous for better toughness and ductility of joints. Mechanical properties of joints welded by the two kinds of welding technology are satisfied. However, the corrosion resistance of the weldment produced by GTAW is superior to that by SMAW in chloride solution. Based on the present work, it is concluded that GTAW is the suitable welding procedure for joining dissimilar metals between 2205 duplex stainless steel and 16MnR.     

Comparative evaluation of tungsten inert gas and laser beam welding of AA5083-H321

In this study, the bead-on-plate welds were made on AA5083-H321 alloy plates using both tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding and laser beam (LB) welding processes to study the enhancement of mechanical properties such as weld yield strength and hardness. The low heat input of laser beam welding effectively reduced the size of the fusion zone and heat affected zone compared to tungsten inert gas welding process. High speed LB welding and fast heating and cooling of LB welding process hinders grain growth compared to TIG welding process. The effect of vapourization of volatile alloying elements is also considered. It seems that magnesium evaporation is relatively less in LB welding compared to TIG welding. Tensile testing of the welded joints revealed that LB welding results in superior mechanical properties. It is concluded that LB welding process is more suitable to join AA5083-H321.     

Laser–arc hybrid welding of high-strength steel and aluminum alloy joints with brass filler

The laser–tungsten inert gas hybrid welding method was adopted to realize the welding process between Q460 high-strength steel and 6061 aluminum alloy. The influence of the dual heat source on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the welded joints are discussed. In addition, the effects of including a copper–zinc interlayer on the microstructure, elemental distribution, and mechanical properties of welded joints are also studied. The results show that the mechanical properties of the welded joints are influenced by the relative heat inputs of the two heat sources and the Cu-Zn interlayer. The braze welded joint fabricated without a Cu-Zn interlayer fractured at an Al-Fe intermetallic compound (IMC) layer formed at the interface, whereas the braze welded joint fabricated with a Cu-Zn interlayer fractured at an Al-Cu IMC layer formed at the interface. Comparisons show that the maximum tensile shear load of the brazed welded joint with the Cu-Zn interlayer was increased by about 20% relative to that formed without the interlayer. The formation of Al-Fe IMC layer in the deep penetration joint was inhibited by the combined effect of the dual heating sources and the Cu-Zn interlayer.     

基于激光毛化的铝合金/CFRTP激光连接特性研究

目的 针对目前铝合金和碳纤维增强热塑性复合材料(CFRTP)直接连接接头强度低的问题,对铝合金表面进行预处理,以提升异种材料的激光连接强度。方法 通过激光毛化工艺在铝合金表面预制微织构,然后利用光纤激光连接铝合金与CFRTP,研究了激光焊接工艺参数对铝合金与CFRTP焊接接头拉剪性能的影响。结果 当激光功率为750 W、焊接速度为0.2 m/min时,铝合金/CFRTP接头拉剪力达到最大值5 209 N,是未激光毛化的接头拉剪力的2.29倍。通过扫描电镜(SEM)对断口进行分析,发现界面断裂形式主要为CFRTP脱出和剪切断裂。采用SEM及能谱仪(EDS)对接头截面进行分析,发现结合界面处存在微观机械嵌合作用,同时在界面处存在元素过渡层。结论 随着激光功率的增大,焊接接头的拉剪力增大,但焊接功率较大会导致热输入过大,造成树脂发生热分解,导致焊接接头拉剪力降低。随着焊接速度的增大,焊接热输入降低,导致焊接过程中树脂熔化量减少,焊接接头的拉剪力降低。界面的机械嵌合作用使焊接接头具有较高的结合强度。     

Zr对(Ag-Cu-Ti)-SiCp钎焊SiC陶瓷/钛合金连接层组织结构的影响

使用Ag-Cu-Ti合金粉,SiC粉和Zr粉组成的混合粉末钎料,真空无压钎焊再结晶SiC陶瓷与Ti合金,观察Zr加入前后接头连接层组织结构的变化,研究了Zr的作用．结果表明,Zr加入前,连接层主要由Ag、SiC、Cu—Ti、Ti3SiC2、和Ti-Si相组成．Zr加入后,连接层主要由SiC、Ti1-xC、Ti-Si、AgTi和AgCu4Zr相组成．Zr的加入提高了连接层中Ti的活度,使SiC颗粒表面反应层Ti3SiC2转变,生成了Ti1-zC和TiSi相;提高了Ti与SiC颗粒的反应速度,使SiC颗粒减少;促进Ti与Ag的反应,生成了AgTi．Zr的加入导致连接层流动性的改善、连接层与SiC陶瓷界面结合强度的提高和接头热应力的降低,适量Zr的加入使接头剪切强度明显提高（达23．6MPa）．     

Fusion zone microstructure and fatigue crack growth behaviour in Ti-6Al-4V alloy weldments

Abstract

The fatigue crack growth resistance of α–β titanium alloys can be altered by microstructural modification. During welding, the fusion zone microstructure depends on cooling rate. In the present work, the alloy Ti-6Al-4V was welded over a range of heat inputs, using electron beam and gas tungsten arc welding. The weld microstructure varied from predominantly martensitic under rapid cooling conditions to a mixture of martensite and diffusional products on slower cooling. Post-weld heat treatment resulted in a basketweave α–β aggregate that coarsened with temperature and time. In all welded and heat treated conditions, the fusion zone exhibited a fatigue crack growth resistance superior to that of the base material, which was in part attributed to the lamellar microstructure of the fusion zone. Welding residual stresses also played a beneficial role in the as welded condition. Post-weld heat treatment eliminated the advantage resulting from the welding stresses but not that as a result of microstructure.     

Effect of welding speed on microstructures and mechanical properties of underwater friction stir welded 2219 aluminum alloy

Underwater friction stir welding (underwater FSW) has been demonstrated to be available for the strength improvement of normal FSW joints. In the present study, a 2219 aluminum alloy was underwater friction stir welded at a fixed rotation speed of 800 rpm and various welding speeds ranging from 50 to 200 mm/min in order to clarify the effect of welding speed on the performance of underwater friction stir welded joint. The results revealed that the precipitate deterioration in the thermal mechanically affected zone and the heat affected zone is weakened with the increase of welding speed, leading to a narrowing of softening region and an increase in lowest hardness value. Tensile strength firstly increases with the welding speed but dramatically decreases at the welding speed of 200 mm/min owing to the occurrence of groove defect. During tensile test, the joint welded at a lower welding speed is fractured in the heat affected zone on the retreating side. While at higher welding speed, the defect-free joint is fractured in the thermal mechanically affected zone on the advancing side.     

Welding TiB2 Ceramics and Metal Mo with Combustion Reaction Technology

Combustion reaction welding, one promising method to weld ceramics and metals, was used to weld TiB2 and Mo. The results showed that the reacted products through combustion reaction were TiB2 and MoB when the Mo contents in reactants were 20 wt pct and 40 wt pct while there was Mo besides MoB and TiB2 when there were 60 wt pct and 80 wt pct Mo in reactants. Diffusion of elements occurred at the interfaces of the two substrates. The interfaces between the reacted and the two substrates were indistinct after being welded. The welding temperature strongly affected properties of the samples. The value of bending strength of the sample with 80 wt pct Mo in reactant welded at 1500℃ was the highest, 368.52 MPa. The highest value of shear strength among all the samples was that of the one with 40 wt pct Mo in reactant welded at 1500℃, 50.97 MPa.     

Effect of post-weld heat treatment and electrolytic plasma processing on tungsten inert gas welded AISI 4140 alloy steel

Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is commonly adopted on welded joints and structures to relieve post-weld residual stresses; and restore the mechanical properties and structural integrity. An electrolytic plasma process (EPP) has been developed to improve corrosion behavior and wear resistance of structural materials; and can be employed in other applications and surface modifications aspects. In this study the effects of PWHT and EPP on the residual stresses, micro-hardness, microstructures, and uniaxial tensile properties are explored on tungsten inert gas (TIG) welded AISI-4140 alloys steel with SAE-4130 chromium–molybdenum alloy welding filler rod. For rational comparison all of the welded samples are checked with nondestructive Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and to ensure defect-free samples before testing. Residual stresses are assessed with ultrasonic testing at different distances from weld center line. PWHT resulted in relief of tensile residual stress due to grain refinement. As a consequence higher ductility but lower strength existed in PWHT samples. In comparison, EPP-treated samples revealed lower residual stresses, but no significant variation on the grain refinement. Consequently, EPP-treated specimens exhibited higher tensile strength but lower ductility and toughness for the martensitic formation due to the rapid heating and quenching effects. EPP was also applied on PWHT samples, but which did not reveal any substantial effect on the tensile properties after PWHT at 650 °C. Finally the microstructures and fracture morphology are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscope to study the evolution of microstructures.     

Fatigue life improvement for cruciform welded joint by mechanical surface treatment using hammer peening and ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification*

For the improvement of the fatigue strength for welded structures, mechanical posttreatments have been applied in various industrial fields and in most cases have been found to give substantial increases in their fatigue lives. These methods, generally, consist of the modification of weld toe geometry and the introduction of compressive residual stresses. In mechanical surface treatments, for example, PHP (pneumatic hammer peening) and UNSM (ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification), the weld profile is modified due to removed or reduced minute crack‐like flaws, and compressive residual stresses are also induced. In this study, a PHP procedure and a UNSM device were introduced, and a quantitative measure of fatigue strength improvement was performed. The fatigue strength at 2 × 10⁶ cycles of hammer‐peened and UNSM treated on a non‐load‐carrying cruciform welded joint shows 220 and 260 MPa, respectively, which are more than two times higher than that of as‐welded specimen. Especially, the surface layer in the vicinity weld toe treated by the UNSM provides nanocrystal structure created by an ultrasonic cold forging and introduces very high welding residual stress in compression.     

Failure Analysis of HAZ Cracking in Low C–CrMoV Steel Weldment

This case study describes the failure analysis of steel nozzle in which cracking was observed after a circumferential welding process. The nozzle assembly was made from low C–CrMoV alloy steel that was subsequently single pass butt welded using gas tungsten arc welding. No cracks were found in visual inspection of the welds; however, X-ray radiography showed small discontinuous cracks on the surface in the area adjacent to weld bead, i.e. heat affected zone. The welding of nozzle parts made of same material was a routine process and this type of cracking did not occur in the past. Therefore, it became essential to determine the root cause of the failure. A detailed investigation including visual examination, non-destructive testing, optical microscopy, microhardness measurements and residual stress measurements were carried out to find out the primary cause of failure and to identify actions required to avoid its reoccurrence in future. Results of the investigation revealed that the principal cause of failure was the presence of coarse untempered martensite in the heat affected zone due to localized heating. The localized heating was caused by high welding heat input or low welding speed and resulted in the high transformation stresses. These transformation stresses combined with the thermal stresses and the constraint conditions to cause intergranular brittle fracture.