Optimization of weld bead geometry of laser welded ANSI 304 austenitic stainless steel using grey-based Taguchi method

This paper investigates the quality characteristics of the welding geometry of the laser welding process for the ANSI 304 austenitic stainless steel, with the use of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser welding system. Laser welding of 2 mm thick ANSI 304 stainless steel is performed at three different levels of three factors, i. e., peak power, welding speed and pulse duration. In this study, a multi-response optimization problem is developed to achieve weld bead geometry with full penetration as well as a narrow bead width and minimum crater. Grey relational analysis based on Taguchi orthogonal array is used to present an effective approach for the optimization of laser welding process parameters. Regression equations between the welding parameters and the bead dimensions for laser welded austenitic stainless steels are developed, which are used in predicting the penetration, width and crater. Finally, the equations are tested for values different from the levels of the parameters in the orthogonal array. It will be beneficial to engineers for continuous improvement in laser welded product quality.     

Optimization of laser welding process parameters for super austenitic stainless steel using artificial neural networks and genetic algorithm

The laser welding input parameters play a very significant role in determining the quality of a weld joint. The quality of the joint can be defined in terms of properties such as weld bead geometry, mechanical properties and distortion. In particular mechanical properties should be controlled to obtain good welded joints. In this study, the weld bead geometry such as depth of penetration (DP), bead width (BW) and tensile strength (TS) of the laser welded butt joints made of AISI 904L super austenitic stainless steel are investigated. Full factorial design is used to carry out the experimental design. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) program was developed in MatLab software to establish the relationship between the laser welding input parameters like beam power, travel speed and focal position and the three responses DP, BW and TS in three different shielding gases (argon, helium and nitrogen). The established models are used for optimizing the process parameters using genetic algorithm (GA). Optimum solutions for the three different gases and their respective responses are obtained. Confirmation experiment has also been conducted to validate the optimized parameters obtained from GA.     

Hybrid simulation of laser deep penetration welding

In laser deep penetration welding, the knowledge on the temperature history of the material is of great interest for the assessment of the quality properties of the weld. For this purpose a hybrid process model that enables the fast calculation of temperature distributions as a function of process parameters is applied. The interaction between laser and material is taken into account by a reduced keyhole model, which exploits a hierarchy in the spatial dimensions occurring at high feed rates. The resulting shape of a stationary keyhole is introduced as a Dirichlet boundary into a thermal finite element simulation in which it is moved through the workpiece according to the process control of the laser beam. The boundary is mathematically described by a level set function and immersed in a fixed computational mesh. The Dirichlet boundary condition is imposed using an embedded boundary method. The calculated temperature distributions are evaluated by means of bead on plate welds conducted in 0.9 mm thick sheets of 1.4301 (AISI 304) stainless steel.     

铝合金T型接头激光+GMAW复合焊残余应力数值分析

目的 研究激光+GMAW复合焊中不同激光功率参数对铝合金T型接头残余应力的影响,从而提高焊接性能。方法 分别考虑了热弹塑性理论、传热学以及T型接头几何特性,建立了铝合金T型接头激光+电弧复合焊残余应力的数值分析模型。采用双椭球体热源模型表征电弧热输入与熔滴晗,采用锥体热源模型对激光深熔焊进行描述。基于所建立的T型接头模型,使用ANSYS有限元软件对12 mm厚铝合金激光+ GMAW焊T型接头残余应力进行模拟计算,并研究其分布特征;使用X射线衍射法对T型接头处的残余应力进行测量从而对所建模型的准确性进行验证。同时,对比了不同激光功率下铝合金T型接头对残余应力的影响规律。结果 当激光功率分别为2、3、4、5 kW时,铝合金T型接头路径L3上的纵向残余应力最大值分别为270、263、258、251 MPa,米塞斯-等效应力最大值分别为265、261、257、250 MPa。结论 后焊的焊缝A对焊缝B有明显的热处理作用,使应力明显降低;在T型接头焊缝及近缝区,横向残余应力和厚度方向残余应力峰值均比纵向残余应力峰值小,且随着激光功率的增大,焊缝及近缝区拉应力峰值不断减小。     

Microstructure of copper–AISI type 304L electron beam welded alloy

Abstract

Heterogeneous butt welding of copper and AISI type 304L stainless steel was carried out using the electron beam process. Examination by scanning and transmission electron microscopy has indicated the possibility of obtaining joints free of cracks and porosity. Energy dispersive microanalysis of the weld bead cross-section has demonstrated the presence of non-equilibrium phases. The results show that the binary Cu-Fe equilibrium diagram is unable to predict the weld microstructure even at the moderate cooling and solidification rates expected under the present welding conditions. The feasibility of the Cu-304L electron beam welding process is therefore hindered by the problem of microstructural stability of the joint because of possible phase transitions during the service life of welded components.     

Failure Analysis of AISI-304 Stainless Steel Styrene Storage Tank

This paper presents the failure analysis of AISI-304 stainless steel tank that was fabricated by welding and used for the storage of styrene monomers. After about 13 years of satisfactory operation, significant cracking was observed adjacent to the weld joints and in base plate near tank foundation. Weld repair was by shielded gas arc welding using AISI 308 stainless steel filler wire. The failed base plate was replaced with the new AISI 304 base plate of same thickness. After a short period of time, seepage was observed along the weld bead. Upon nondestructive testing cracks were found in the heat-affected zone and in the base plate. The failure investigation was carried out on welded and base plate samples using spectroscopy, optical and scanning electron microscopy, fractography, SEM–EDS analysis, microhardness measurements, tensile and impact testing. The results revealed transgranular cracks in the HAZ and base plate, and the failure was attributed due to stress corrosion cracking. Cracks initiated as a result of combined action of stresses developed during welding and the presence of a chloride containing environment due to seawater. It was further observed that improper welding parameters were employed for weld repair which resulted in sensitization of the structure and postweld heat treatment to remove weld sensitization and minimize the residual stresses was not done.     

The effect of preheat & post weld heat treatment on the laser weldability of AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel

The martensitic stainless steels are widely used in many industries with their excellent mechanical properties and sufficient corrosion resistance. These steels usually are used for a wide range of applications like nuclear power plants, steam generators, mixer blades, pressure vessels, turbine blades, surgical tools, instrument manufacturing and so on. Contrary to good mechanical and corrosion properties of martensitic steels, poor weldability and cold cracking sensitivity are major problems that are faced in joining of these steels. In this study, the weldability of AISI 420 (X30Cr13) martensitic stainless steel by CO₂ laser beam welding method has been investigated. Effects of pre and post weld heat treatments on mechanical properties and microstructure of laser welded AISI 420 martensitic stainless have also been determined. As a conclusion, it was determined that pre and post weld heat treatments sufficiently improved the mechanical properties of the welds.     

Hybrid laser/arc welding of thick high-strength steel in different configurations

In this investigation, hybrid laser/arc welding (HLAW) was employed to join 8-mm-thick high-strength quenched and tempered steel (HSQTS) plates in the butt-and T-joint configurations. The influences of welding parameters, such as laser power, welding speed, stand-off distance (SD) between the arc of gas metal arc welding, and the laser heat source on the weld quality and mechanical properties of joints, were studied to obtain non-porous and crack-free fully-penetrated welds. The weld microstructure, crosssection, and mechanical properties were evaluated by an optical microscope, and microhardness and tensile tests. In addition, a finite element model was developed to investigate the thermal history and molten pool geometry of the HLAW process to join the HSQTS. The numerical study demonstrated that the SD had a paramount role in good synergy between the heat sources and the stability of the keyhole. For the butt-joint configuration, the results showed that, at a higher welding speed (35 mm/s) and optimum SD between the arc and laser, a fully-penetrated sound weld could be achieved. A non-porous weld in the T-joint configuration was obtained at a lower welding speed (10 mm/s). Microstructural evaluations indicated that the formation of residual austenite and the continuous network of martensitic structure along the grain boundary through the heat affected zone were the primary reasons of the softening behavior of this area. This was confirmed by the sharp hardness reduction and failure behavior of the tensile coupons in this area.The full text can be downloaded at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40436-017-0193-6     

304不锈钢与PA66塑料激光焊接工艺研究

目的 研究304不锈钢和PA66(尼龙)的焊接工艺,提高焊缝剪切强度。方法 采用500 W光纤激光器对异种材料进行搭接焊接实验,对激光功率、焊接速度、离焦量、焊接次数进行四因素四水平正交实验,并且测试焊缝剪切强度。结果 当激光功率为350 W,焊接速度为600 mm/s,离焦量为1 mm,焊接次数为3时,焊缝剪切强度达到最大的58 MPa。极差分析结果表明,影响焊缝剪切强度的因素依次为激光功率、离焦量、焊接速度、焊接次数。结论 微观结构分析结果表明,焊缝在PA66塑料侧呈现韧性断裂;在304不锈钢侧呈现韧性脱落,塑料和不锈钢有紧密的贴合,这种结构有利于提高焊缝的剪切强度。     

Optimization of deep penetration laser welding of thick stainless steel with a 10 kW fiber laser

Deep penetration laser welding of 12 mm thick stainless steel plates was conducted using a 10 kW high-power fiber laser. The effect of the processing parameters on the weld bead geometry was examined, and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the optimal joint were investigated. The results show that the focal position is a key parameter in high-power fiber laser welding of thick plates. There is a critical range of welding speed for achieving good full penetration joint. The type of top shielding gas influences the weld depth. The application of a bottom shielding gas improves the stability of the entire welding process and yields good weld appearances at both the top and bottom surfaces. The maximum tensile stress of the joint is 809 MPa. The joint fails at the base metal far from the weld seam with a typical cup–cone-shaped fracture surface. The excellent welding appearance and mechanical properties indicate that high-power fiber laser welding of a 304 stainless steel thick plate is feasible.     

Experimental investigation on dissimilar pulsed Nd:YAG laser welding of AISI 420 stainless steel to kovar alloy

This paper presents the results of an investigation on autogeneous laser welding of AISI 420 stainless steel to kovar alloy using a 100 W pulsed Nd:YAG laser. The joints had a circular geometry and butt welded. The joints were examined by optical microscope for cracks, pores and for determining the weld geometry. The microstructure of the weld and the heat affected zones were investigatedby scanning electron microscope. The austenitic microstructure was achieved in the weld. The morphology of weld zone solidification was basically cellural, being influenced by the temperature gradient. It was found that the start of solidification in the kovar side of weld zone occurred by means of epitaxial growth. When the temperature gradient was high, the columnar grains were created in the fusion boundary of 420 stainless steel side toward weld zone. Measurements taken by X-ray spectrometry for dispersion of the energy in the weld zone indicated a significantly heterogeneous distribution of chromium element. The variations in chemical compositions and grains morphologies significantly alter the Vickers microhardness values in the weld zone.     

大厚度奥氏体不锈钢筒体填丝激光焊接变形和应力分析

目的 研究大厚度奥氏体不锈钢筒体填丝激光焊接,优化结构设计和工艺设计。方法 建立大厚度奥氏体不锈钢筒体填丝激光焊接数值分析模型,通过数值模拟的方法,定量分析大厚度奥氏体不锈钢筒体焊接变形和应力。结果 零件下部38 mm厚焊缝位置处的最大径向收缩量为1.2 mm;零件下部60 mm厚焊缝位置处的最大径向收缩量为2.0 mm;零件中部60 mm厚焊缝位置处的最大径向收缩量为1.9 mm;零件上部60 mm厚焊缝位置处的最大径向收缩量为1.8 mm。填丝激光焊接轴向收缩量为0.55 mm。焊接残余应力最大值在450 MPa左右,应力主要分布在焊缝附近。热处理后,焊接残余应力都有明显降低,最大残余应力从450 MPa左右降低到200 MPa左右,焊接残余应力范围存在一定程度减小;焊接残余变形变化较小,热处理后某些位置的变形略微有所增大。结论 模拟结果表明,大厚度奥氏体不锈钢筒体填丝激光焊接变形和应力在可接受范围内,焊后热处理对释放残余应力有重要作用。     

Chemical and Mechanical Characterization of AISI 304 and AISI 1010 Laser Welding

This paper addresses to the dissimilar laser welding of AISI 304 and AISI 1010 steel thin sheets. Cracks-free dissimilar edge fillet welds have been conducted using a Nd:YAG laser. Geometrical, microstructural, chemical, and mechanical proprieties of the welds were investigated using electron microscopy, EDS and tensile test assisted by digital image correlating. The proper results were achieved at an energy density of 88 J/mm² using a 0.4 mm laser spot diameter. An austenite-ferrite structure characterizes the weld bead and the precipitation of the chromium carbide at the grain limits was observed in the heat affected zone. Good tensile behavior was obtained; dissimilar joint was fractured on the carbon steel side at 482 MPa and 0.35 stain.     

Softened zone formation and joint strength properties in dissimilar friction welds

The mechanical properties of dissimilar MMC/AISI 304 stainless steel friction welds with and without silver interlayers were examined. The notch tensile strengths of MMC/AISI 304 stainless steel and MMC/Ag/AISI 304 stainless steel friction welds increased when high friction pressures were applied during the joining operation. The higher notch tensile strengths of dissimilar MMC/AISI and MMC/Ag/AISI 304 stainless steel friction welds resulted from the formation of narrow softened zones in MMC material immediately adjacent to the bondline. The influence of softened zone width and hardness (yield strength) on the notch tensile strengths of dissimilar welds was analysed using finite element modelling (FEM). FEM in combination with the assumption of a ductile failure criterion was used to calculate the notch tensile strengths of dissimilar joints. The key assumption in this work is that dissimilar weld failure wholly depended on the characteristics (mechanical properties and dimensions) of the softened zone formed in MMC material immediately adjacent to the bondline. The modelling results produced based on this assumption closely correspond with the actual notch tensile strengths of dissimilar MMC/Ag/AISI 304 stainless steel and MMC/Ag/AISI 304 stainless steel friction welds.     

预变形对304L焊接组织的影响

基于某汽车公司提出的曲面焊接设计需求,研究了变形对焊接组织的影响。选用熔化极气体保护焊在奥氏体不锈钢304L的T型接头和变形钢板上焊接,寻求合理的变形后焊接参数并观察变形对焊接组织的影响。得到合理焊接参数为焊枪速率4mm/s,送丝速率2.5m/min,电压1 7V。在T型和变形后焊接中,焊趾分别处于应变为0%,30%的区域,观察到变形后焊接件中熔化区和部分熔化区范围减小,焊接接头碳化物沉积和晶间铁素体数量减小。304L变形后焊接获得了更为均匀的接头组织。     

Finite element analysis of the effect of welding heat input and layer number on residual stress in repair welds for a stainless steel clad plate

Stainless steel clad plate is widely used in petroleum, chemical and medicine industries due to its good corrosion resistance and high strength. But cracks are often formed in clad layer during the manufacture or service, which are often repaired by repair welding. In order to ensure the structure integrity, the effects of residual stress need to be considered. The objective of this paper is to estimate the residual stress and deformation in the repair weld of a stainless steel clad plate by finite element method. The effects of heat input and welding layer number on residual stresses and deformation have been studied. The results show that large residual stresses have been generated in the repair weld. The heat input and layer number have great effects on residual stress distribution. With the heat input and welding layer number increasing, the residual stresses are decreased. Using multiple-layer welding and higher heat input can be useful to decrease the residual stress, which provides a reference for optimizing the repair welding technology of this stainless steel clad plate.     

Experimental investigation on the effects of process parameters of GMAW and transient thermal analysis of AISI321 steel

Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) develops an arc by controlling the metal from the wire rod and the input process parameters. The deposited metal forms a weld bead and themechanical properties depend upon the quality of the weld bead. Proper control of the process parameters which affect the bead geometry, the microstructures of the weldments and the mechanical properties like hardness, is necessary. This experimental study aims at developing mathematical models for bead height (HB), bead width (WB) and bead penetration (PB) and investigating the effects of four process parameters
viz: welding voltage, welding speed, wire feed rate and gas flow rate on bead geometry, hardness and microstructure of AISI321 steel with 10 mm thickness. The transient thermal analysis shows temperature and residual stress distributions at different conduction and convection conditions.     

激光功率对钛合金双侧同步焊接温度场的影响

为研究激光功率对TC4钛合金T型结构双激光束双侧同步焊接温度场的影响,针对TC4钛合金T型结构的双激光束双侧同步焊接过程,建立了相应的有限元模型,利用有限元分析软件进行了焊接过程温度场的计算,研究了激光功率对熔池形状的影响规律,并对不同激光功率下的温度场进行了分析.结果表明:随着激光功率的增加,熔池的熔深、熔宽均有所增...     

Nondestructive Evaluation of Welding Residual Stresses in Austenitic Stainless Steel Plates

This article investigates the nondestructive capability of ultrasonic waves in residual stress evaluation of austenitic stainless steel plates (AISI 304L). Longitudinal critically refracted (L _CR ) waves are employed to measure the residual stresses. Measuring the acoustoelastic constant through the tensile test is eliminated on the main investigated sample to keep it intact. Another welded plate with the same welding specification, geometry, thickness, and the same material is used to extract tensile test samples. To find the acoustoelastic constant of the heat affected zone (HAZ), a metallographic investigation is done to produce microstructure similar to that of the HAZ in a tensile test sample. A finite element model of welding process, which is validated by hole-drilling method, is used to verify the ultrasonic results. The results show good agreement between finite element and ultrasonic stress measurements which is accomplished nondestructively.     

Q-switch Nd:YAG laser welding of AISI 304 stainless steel foils

Conventional fusion welding of stainless steel foils (<100 μm thickness) used in computer disk, precision machinery and medical device applications suffer from excessive distortion, formation of discontinuities (pore, void and hot crack), uncontrolled melting (melt-drop through) and poor aesthetics. In this work, a 15 ns pulsed, 400 mJ Nd:YAG laser beam was utilized to overcome these barriers in seam welding of 60 μm thin foil of AISI 304 stainless steel. Transmission electron microscopy was used to characterize the microstructures while hardness and tensile-shear tests were used to evaluate the strengths. Surface roughness was measured using a DekTak profilometer while porosity content was estimated using the light microscope. Results were compared against the data obtained from resistance seam welding. Laser welding, compared to resistance seam welding, required nearly three times less heat input and produced welds having 50% narrower seam, 15% less porosity, 25% stronger and improved surface aesthetics. In addition, there was no evidence of δ-ferrite in laser welds, supporting the absence of hot cracking unlike resistance welding.